Overview

A vitamin is an organic compound required as a nutrient in tiny amounts by an organism. A compound is called a vitamin when it cannot be synthesized in sufficient quantities by an organism, and must be obtained from the diet. Thus, the term is conditional both on the circumstances and the particular organism. For example, ascorbic acid functions as vitamin C for some animals but not others, and vitamins D and K are required in the human diet only in certain circumstances.

Vitamins are classified by their biological and chemical activity, not their structure. Thus, each "vitamin" actually refers to a number of vitamer compounds, which form a set of distinct chemical compounds that show the biological activity of a particular vitamin. Such a set of chemicals are grouped under an alphabetized vitamin "generic descriptor" title, such as "vitamin A," which (for example) includes retinal, retinol, and many carotenoids. Vitamers are often inter-convertible in the body. The term vitamin does not include other essential nutrients such as dietary minerals, essential fatty acids, or essential amino acids, nor does it encompass the large number of other nutrients that promote health but are otherwise required less often.

Wednesday, June 18, 2008

The Link Between IBS and Allergies

Despite the fact that IBS is the most common gastrointestinal disorders seen by gastroenterologists very little is known today is actually about what it means. In recent years, however, researchers at Rush University in Chicago discovered that a significant number of people with allergic or atopic diseases such as hay fever, asthma and eczema also have symptoms of IBS and found a clear link between IBS and allergies. This could, of course, implications for the future in terms of possible treatment options for IBS.

The study

The Chicago study headed by Dr. Mary C. Tobin and her colleagues with 125 adults found that the prevalence of IBS was higher in those with seasonal rhinitis (2.67 times) and atopic dermatitis (3.85 times) and 12 of 41 of the patients had both asthma and IBS. Tobin et al found a clear link between atopy and IBS in this study and concluded that the people in this subgroup of IBS, or those who have atopic IBS should be differentiated from those with non-atopic IBS due to the fact that they had "different pathophysiological functions that could benefit from specific therapeutic interventions." This means that persons with atopic IBS might find more relief by treatment plans formulated for the consideration of other factors associated with their allergies and their symptoms.

What IBS IBS?

IBS is not a disease and is better than a collection of symptoms, abdominal pain and flatulence together with abnormal bowel movements leads to diarrhea, constipation or both. Other symptoms can also ebermaige flatulence (wind), mucous membranes in the chair, a sense of urgency and straining while trying to stools. What is difficult to treat IBS is that no two people with exactly the same symptoms or degree of seriousness, so that any effective treatment for IBS quite complex and more a process of trying different options to see what works.

Also, instead, a single identifiable cause of irritable bowel syndrome, it would seem rather that many factors are involved, can also like the incompatibilities of food, bacterial overgrowth, enzyme deficiencies, lifestyle and stress. Although stress itself does not mean that it can IBS symptoms of IBS much worse. What is known about IBS is that there is no cure and no single plan, the treatment is suitable for all IBS sufferers.

Approximately 20% or 1 to 5 of the British population suffers from IBS although this figure could be higher. In the past, there have been some difficulties in connection with the diagnosis of IBS as until recently, IBS was diagnosed when all other conditions were excluded, that takes time. Many people, especially those with mild symptoms, may not help for their symptoms are likely to go undiagnosed.

Many Earlier studies have shown that exposure to certain allergens can be symptoms of IBS in some people, but if, as this latest Study suggests there is a clear link between IBS symptoms and atopic allergies, then this could be the door for new ways to treat at least some groups of people with IBS.

What is Atopic IBS?

Atopy is a term used to describe conditions as a result of an allergic reaction, such as asthma, atopic eczema, atopic dermatitis and hay fever, so that people with atopic are those with IBS symptoms of IBS, including one or more co-existent allergic conditions. It is estimated that around 15% of the population suffer from atopic conditions.

Why Is there a link between IBS and allergies?

No one really knows why, although it is believed that mast cells in the intestines can be allergens and netting the symptoms of IBS. Many people have found that by eliminating food, solves their IBS can obtain a significant amount of aid organisations. Even if some people are antihistamines for the treatment of their allergic conditions have also noted that the IBS symptoms facilitate At the same time.

Currently, treatment of IBS with the search for ways to deal with the symptoms, which basically means, nutrition and lifestyle changes along with anti-diarrhoea agents diarrhea, constipation for laxatives, painkillers cause pain and even low dose antidepressants to promote normal chair. Non-drug treatments for IBS also probiotics, herbal remedies and various supplements and digestive aids. The identification of a link between allergy and IBS might pave the way for effective forms of treatment of IBS sufferers are also affected by allergic conditions. No doubt, future research will show more.

The author- Dave McEvoy is an award winning personal trainer with over 20 years experience; he has also suffered from IBS for 15 years. For more information please come a visit our site.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=David_McEvoy

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