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 | | More than 5 million Canadians live with IBS |
IBS - so much more than gas and bloating
With an estimated 5 million sufferers, Canada has one of the highest rates of Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) in the world. Knowing IBS will not lead to cancer or other serious illnesses, does not make it any less disruptive or debilitating.
IBS is a disorder affecting the large intestine (colon) involving problems with motility (movement of digested food through the intestines) and sensitivity (how the brain interprets signals from intestinal nerves). The most common symptoms are abdominal pain and irregular bowel patterns that result in constipation, diarrhea, or alternating periods of both.
Lifestyle and dietary changes may help to prevent or ease IBS symptoms. Exercising regularly, getting enough rest, minimizing stress and tension, limiting intake of caffeine, alcohol, carbonated drinks and fatty foods and, following through on an urge to have a bowel movement may be helpful. Good communication with your doctor is key. Before your next appointment, create a symptom journal.
Food intolerances have been linked to IBS symptoms. Recent research identified six key strategies for successful dietary management of IBS. These include ruling out lactose intolerance; limiting wheat bran consumption; supplementing with linseeds for constipation; reducing fermentable carbohydrates (FODMAPs); trying a probiotic; and, eliminating a suspected trigger food for 2-4 weeks.
The Canadian Digestive Health Foundation provides information, tools and support to help you take control of your IBS. We have a series of videos and webseminars to empower you. Take a look at:
in the subject line to Catherine at
Director@CDHF.ca
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NEW for CHILDREN -- Solving the Mystery of Endoscopy
Hospitals, doctors and diagnostic tests can be scary - especially for children. The CDHF, in collaboration with The Hospital for Sick Children and the University of Toronto's design expert, Bonnie Chang, has created an on-line tool to help educate and ease the anxieties children have about endoscopy. Now, through interactive animation, children can prepare for this valuable but intimidating procedure by
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Join the Revolution - CDHF's 4th Annual RISE Revolution Cycle is twice the fun
The CDHF is once again presenting its magnificent RISE Revolution cycling event. Over 150 riders have helped us raise $250,000 to support digestive health and disease awareness, education and research.
This year we have two rides in Ontario:
- Early Bird Training Rides at Horseshoe Valley on June 15 - 16 (25, 50, 100 KM rides)
- The epic ride in Collingwood among the Blue Mountains on Sept. 15 - 16 (25, 50 and 100 MILE rides).
Whether you're an experienced rider or someone simply ready to enjoy the freedom of cycling in the beautiful and relaxing hills, RISE is an experience you don't want to miss. Join our revolution.
Request your RISE 2013 Revolution Rider Info Kit today. |
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Tummy Trivia Our bodies are home to trillions of tiny passengers in the form of bacteria. For every human cell in your body, there are 100 bacterial ones. This is your 'microbiome' and it has a huge impact on your health, your ability to digest food, and so much more. |
Alarm Symptoms 
We all experience symptoms of digestive distress at some point. These may stem from a temporary illness such as flu, reaction to certain medications, or more chronic underlying condition. Although these often resolve themselves, we need to be vigilant and aware of symptoms that are not normal and may threaten our good health. The following symptoms signal a problem and require you to seek medical attention:
- Diarrhea that lasts more than five days
- Unintended weight loss
- Persistent vomiting
- Black tarry stools
- Bright red blood in your stool or bloody diarrhea
- Unexplained fatigue
- Pain in the stomach area that improves or worsens when you eat
- Persistent fever
- Pain when having a bowel movement
- Localized abdominal pain
- Abdominal pain that is persistent and severe or that wakes you from sleep
- Difficulty swallowing, chest pain, feeling there is an obstruction in your throat
- Persistent heartburn that is not relieved with over-the-counter antacids
Your digestive system fuels your life. Respect it and protect it to maintain good overall health. |
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The Canadian Digestive Health Foundation provides expert advice and compassionate support to the millions of Canadians who suffer from digestive diseases. We rely on donations from the public to support our educational initiatives that help reduce the devastating impact of digestive disease, improve quality of life, enhance education, and fund critical research. To ensure our continued success, please consider making a tax deductible donation. This link will take you to our donation page. Thank you.
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Go to our new updated Facebook page for more digestive health info.
If you "like" what you see, please give us the thumbs up so we can share CDHF with your friends. |
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