Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Diarrhea (IBS-D)

According to the Mayo Clinic website, Irritable Bowel Syndrome is defined as, "...a common disorder that affects the large intestine (colon). Irritable bowel syndrome commonly causes cramping, abdominal pain, bloating, gas, diarrhea and constipation. IBS is a chronic condition that you will need to manage long term."

Based on Rome III criteria, Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Diarrhea (IBS-D) is clinically diagnosed when there is, 1) recurrent abdominal pain or discomfort for at least 3 days per month in the last 3 months associated with at least 2 of the following: a) improvement with defecation; b) onset associated with a change in the frequency of stool; c) onset associated with a change in form (appearance) of stool, 2) symptom-onset at least 6 months prior to diagnosis, 3) loose or watery stools at least 25% of the time in the last 3 months and hard or lumpy stools less than 25% of the time in the last 3 months, 4) more than 3 bowel movements per day at least 25% of the time in the last 3 months.

If you have these symptoms, this article here, has diet solutions that may help improve how you deal with your IBS-D. Maintaining a balanced diet, drinking lots of water, and keeping a journal, can help manage your symptoms. Even with these suggestions, are still struggling with the uncomfortable and painful symptoms of IBS-D? Come and be a part of a clinical trials research study that may help you deal with IBS-D. Call us at (916)487-8230 for information

Managing Type 2 Diabetes and High Blood Pressure, Part 1

Start with these 5 Simple Steps to help manage Type 2 Diabetes & High Blood Pressure:

1. The goal here is to take in the most nutritious, natural, and best quality food & water available to you.  
2. Stop counting calories and follow these simple regular-size plate rules, 
• make at least half your plate colorful and/or leafy vegetables-50-75%, 
• place a palm-sized portion (4-8 ounces) of a healthy protein on your plate-25-30%, 
• put a quarter plate of whole grains on your plate-0-10% (non-gluten or no grains for those with GI intolerance or autoimmune issues....more on that in later posts for those interested in taking it a step further)
• place a serving of fruit (max 2-3 servings/day) on your plate-10-20%. 
• For snacks, a handful of nuts, apple slices or celery with almond butter, or even 1/2 - 1 oz. of dark chocolate works great!
• Regarding alcohol intake, limit this to no more that 1-2 drinks for women, 2-3 drinks for men, no more than 2-3 times per week. 
• For a quick, basic breakfast, try this easy, delicious smoothie recipe!
3.  If it is a real, whole, natural food that was grown or raised outside of a factory, you've prepared it yourself, and you eat it in reasonable portions, then you're probably not eating processed food.
4.  A rule of thumb is to drink at least half your weight in ounces per day. For example, if you weigh 160 lbs, shoot for 80 ounces per day. Add 8 ounces for every 15-30 minutes of exercise, and add another 8 ounces for every 25 lbs of weight loss desired. 
5. Don't like the taste of plain water? Infuse it with citrus fruits, cucumbers, or berries, just like recipes suggested on this fruit infused water blog.