What is irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)?

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common bowel problem that affects about 15% of the population. IBS is also referred to as spastic colon, spastic colitis, and mucous colitis.

IBS is a functional disease of the muscular organs of the gastrointestinal tract; the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, gallbladder, and colon. What is meant by the term, functional, is that either the muscles of the organs or the nerves that control the organs are not working normally. The nerves that control the organs include the nerves in the muscles of the organs, the spinal cord, and the brain. Read the story »

Bowtrol Probiotics

Probiotics are dietary supplements containing potentially beneficial bacteria or yeast. According to the currently adopted definition by FAO/WHO, probiotics are: ‘Live microorganisms which when administered in adequate amounts confer a health benefit on the host’. [1] Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) are the most common type of microbes used. LAB have been used in the food industry for many years, because they are able to convert sugars (including lactose) and other carbohydrates into lactic acid. This not only provides the characteristic sour taste of fermented dairy foods such as yogurt, but acts as a preservative, by lowering the pH and creating fewer opportunities for spoilage organisms to grow. Read the story »

Constipation

The waste products of digestion are moved through your intestines by muscle contractions called peristalsis. Normally the large intestine absorbs a large portion of the water and salt from this mixture. The water and salt are essential and are reused to perform many of the body’s functions. If too much water is absorbed or if the mixture moves too slowly, constipation may occur. Read the story »