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Organic Acacia
Soluble Fiber
The prebiotic fiber that relieves both diarrhea and constipation!
In this Issue...
Food & Recipes
Special Events
Special Letters
Rx News & Research
Ask Heather
Coming Soon...
* Greatest Hits Issue!
* Part III of our special IBS "what's new" review
Did you miss our recent and most popular newsletter ever, the
Special Mind-Body Issue?
Past issues
are posted here!
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Heather's IBS Newsletter ~ For Irritable Bowel Syndrome
September 19, 2006
Twice as Nice! Two Lives are Changed by IBS Hypnotherapy
Hello to everyone -
This week we welcome the change of seasons with a special issue that is absolutely stuffed with IBS events, news, research, and more!
We have a double-header reader letter section from two women whose lives were changed by the IBS hypnotherapy program, a delicious recipe tie-in to our Ask Heather column on herbs for IBD, and part three of a special four part issue in our IBS news and research section, exploring a review of what's new in IBS. Don't miss the coming issues for the full story.
Best Wishes,
Heather Van Vorous
Did a friend send you this newsletter? Sign up here for your own free subscription. 
Indian Curried Potatoes, Peas and Carrots This high soluble fiber main dish is beyond delicious, and I make it quite often for a vegetarian dinner. It's very flavorful and spicy but not at all hot, and the leftovers make a workday lunch to die for. This recipe is a wonderful example of how eating for IBS does not mean you're stuck with bland food - in fact, most herbs and spices are digestive aids, so enjoy!
Makes 4 Servings
2 tablespoons canola oil, divided
1 tablespoon whole cumin seeds
1 tablespoon black mustard seeds*
1 tablespoon asofoetida powder*
2 cups thinly sliced onions
1 teaspoon ground turmeric
1 teaspoon mild chili powder
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1 teaspooon salt
1 1/2 lbs. new potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/4" slices
1/2 lb. carrots (about 4), cut into 1/4" slices
1-2 cups water, as needed
1 cup fresh or frozen peas
Fresh cilantro for garnish
In a large heavy skillet heat 1 tablespoon of oil over high heat add the cumin and mustard seeds. Cook 30-60 seconds, until they pop and blacken. Reduce heat to medium, stir in the asofoetida powder, and add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil. Add the onions and cook until golden, about 10-15 minutes.
Stir in the turmeric, chili powder, coriander and salt. Reduce heat to low and add the potatoes and carrots. Add enough water to cover bottom of skillet, cover, and cook until vegetables are very tender. Stir occasionally and add additional water as needed to keep mixture from burning. Add peas, cover, and cook until peas are tender, about 5 minutes. Serve garnished with fresh cilantro.
*Available at bulk herb shops or Indian markets, or simply omit if you can't find
For a truly special treat, serve with a glass of refreshingly delicious fresh mint leaf lemonade!
Are you just learning how to eat for IBS? A little intimidated at the thought of special IBS recipes? Not quite sure just what makes these recipes special in the first place? Don't worry! Find the answers to all your questions in the IBS Diet Kit.
~ Eating for IBS ~
Comprehensive IBS Diet Information & Safe Foods vs. Trigger Foods
Addresses multiple IBS symptoms
* Teaches substitution, never deprivation
New Retail Stores Carrying Heather's Tummy Care Products
We're continuing our special rebate offer for people who buy Tummy Care products at their local stores, and we have new store announcements this week as well, including our first store locations in Georgia and Utah!
California
Great Earth Vitamins - Duarte
1189 A East Huntington Dr
Duarte, CA 91010
626-359-2380
Georgia
House of Health
155 Hammond Dr NE
Atlanta, GA 30328
404-256-4500
Idaho
Shaver Pharmacy
235 South 4th Ave
Pocatello, ID 83201
208-233-3341
Utah
Good Earth Natural Foods
500 South State St
Orem, UT 84097
801-765-1616
If you don't have a store in your area carrying Tummy Care products yet, please give them this flyer to ask them.
New Stores That May Add Tummy Care Products
We have quite a long list of stores (and we update the list each week) that have expressed interest in carrying our products, have asked for samples and information, but have not yet ordered. To see if one of these stores is in your area, please check our list of potential stores and practitioners. If someone on the list is near your location please let them know you'd like them to add the Tummy Care line for you.
Special IBS Events in Arizona, Pennsylvania, & Washington
I am thrilled to announce not one, not two, but three special IBS events happening in the next few weeks! First, there are two terrific store-wide celebrations - one at Bloom Naturally (330 East 5th St., Bloomsburg, PA 17815, telephone 570-784-3357) and the other at Granola's (5055 W. Ray Road Suite 14, Chandler, AZ 85226, telephone 480-940-1571).
Both store events will feature Heather's Tummy Care for IBS. There will be a chance to win a gift basket with Tummy Care products (including signed copies of IBS books, Acacia Tummy Fiber, Tummy Tamers peppermint oil capsules, and more!), plus food and drink demos, free samples and IBS dietary literature, and question-and-answer opportunities.
The Bloom Naturally celebration is on Saturday, October 14th from 8am - 4pm, and the Granola's event is over three full days, September 21 and 22 from 11am - 4pm, and September 23rd from 12pm - 4pm. Come join in the fun and learn how to help your IBS at the same time!
Finally, the fantastic Seattle IBS Support Group has another meeting coming up on Sunday, September 24. The group is moderated by the truly terrific Shell Marr, who always has fun surprises as well as empathetic help to offer. IBS-friendly foods and drinks are welcome, or just bring yourself and be prepared to not only learn but to have a good time with other folks who know exactly what you're going through.
~ Heather's Tummy Fiber ~
For the Dietary Management of Abdominal Pain, Diarrhea, &, Constipation
Organic Acacia ~ Pure Soluble Fiber
The prebiotic fiber that relieves both diarrhea and constipation!
** Very Economical ** Only 3 cents per gram of fiber!
Twice as Nice! Two Lives are Changed by IBS Hypnotherapy
Dear Heather,
You can't imagine this coincidence: a friend called to tell me that our local newspaper had a telephone number to call regarding hypnotherapy and IBS. I called and the doctor told me that it was a "minimal 6-session" program for $1000.00! At best, she went on, I could learn to relax as they didn't guarantee a cure for IBS. I checked with my insurance and it was NOT covered.
While I was trying to decide, I discovered on your website the IBS Audio Program by Michael Mahoney. The program included CDs, etc., as did the program for $1000.00! I now have the IBS Audio Program 100 and I am ecstatic.
I must say also that yesterday I tried a "new medication" for IBS that's a laxative. It only caused me abdominal cramps and I will stick with Michael Mahoney!
Thank you for your help with this unbearable illness and daily challenge.
God Bless,
Anna Marie O'Connor
**********
Dear Heather:
I had one of those days at work today. I work in the retail clothing industry and we get some really nasty customers at times. Today was one of them. This particular customer spent 15 minutes berating me with nasty, rude comments for no apparent reason. I was shaking when she finally left the store, I think mostly from anger at her nastiness and the fact that I could not do anything about it, just stand there and take it, but also from the confrontation itself. I am not a loud, rude or aggressive person.
Normally, something like that would have really put my stomach in knots and given me many painful trips to the bathroom. Not today, thank you. Between the IBS Audio Program CDs and your wonderful recipes and tips I have been able to get through the rest of the day like a "normal" person.
I have also been drinking your Fennel Tummy Tea a couple times a day and eating "real" food again. No one person, not a single doctor, not any other books, even came close to helping me.
I am impressed by your knowledge of this condition and what actually helps it. GI doctors don't even have a clue. How wonderful to have your husband be so supportive and a partner in the company. You are both amazing. You have made me the happiest person in the world.
THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU. (Words just aren't enough.)
Sincerely,
Sherry Turton
Thank you, Anna Marie and Sherry! I know Michael is as thrilled as I am that you're both doing so much better! ~ Heather
Did you miss the last reader letter from Valerie, who was saved from surgery by the IBS diet? Find it here...
The Best Gut-Directed Self-Hypnosis Program for All IBS Symptoms
 
Gives an average 85% reduction of pain and bowel dysfunction symptoms.
Listen to IBS Audio Program 100 samples!
Part 3 of a Special 4-Part Issue - A Review of What's New with IBS
A recent MedGenMed Gastroenterology article by Amy Foxx-Orenstein, DO, FACG, FACP reviewed what's new with IBS, including an introduction to the disorder, making a positive diagnosis, and a fascinating look at the science behind the underlying pathophysiology of IBS.
The Science of IBS
Given the lack of definitive organic markers for IBS, the absence of a unifying hypothesis regarding its underlying pathophysiology is not surprising. Nevertheless, important advances in research made during the past 50 years have brought us closer than ever to understanding the numerous putative etiologic factors involved in this multifaceted disorder, including environmental factors, genetic links, previous infection, food intolerance, and abnormal serotonergic signaling in the GI tract.
Environmental Influences
Although a patient's psychological state may influence the way in which he or she presents, copes with illness, and responds to treatment, no evidence supports the theory that psychological disturbances are the cause of IBS. The biopsychosocial model takes into account the interplay between biologic, psychological, and social factors. This model proposes that there is an underlying biologic predisposition for IBS that may be acted on by environmental factors and psychological stressors, which contribute to disease development, the patient's perception of illness, and impact on treatment outcomes.
Studies evaluating the role of acute stress have shown that stress can result in release of stress-related hormones that affect colonic sensorimotor function and inflammatory mediators, leading to inflammation and altering GI motility and sensation. For example, receptors located in the central nervous system and gut can affect colonic motility, epithelial water transport, and gut permeability. It's been determined that the peripheral administration of a nonselective corticotropin-releasing hormone receptor antagonist improved GI motility, visceral perception, and negative mood in response to gut stimulation in patients with IBS. These findings suggest that these receptors may play an important role in the pathophysiology of IBS.
Genetics
Studies with twins have shown that IBS is twice as prevalent in monozygotic twins as in dizygotic twins. Limited research on familial aggregation has found that individuals who have a family member (other than a spouse) with a history of abdominal pain or bowel disorder have more than 2-fold increased odds of having IBS.
It is likely that environmental influences may help explain this finding (eg, awareness of the symptom status of family members may make sufferers more open to discussing their symptoms and seeking help for the condition). Preliminary findings also suggest that IBS may be associated with select gene polymorphisms, including those in IL-10, G-protein GNb3, alpha adrenoceptor, and serotonin reuptake transporter (SERT). Despite these potential links, however, conclusive evidence for a genetic basis for IBS has not been established.
Go here for more information about this review...
Coming in part three, continued, of this special four-part IBS
"What's New" Review: More on the Science of IBS
Looking for more IBS research and news? Check the IBS Research Library!
 
Organic Fennel & Peppermint Tummy Tea Bags
Extraordinary Quality ~ Very Economical
Fennel is terrific for bloating & gas, Peppermint is great for IBS pain & spasms.
 Herbs for IBD
"I've seen suggestions for herbs that can help IBS symptoms, but what about herbs for inflammatory bowel diseases?"
First of all, many people are confused about the differences between IBS and IBD, so make sure that you have a clear understanding of what these two disorders are, and that you know with certainty which one you have been diagnosed with.
It's worth noting that many patients with IBD also develop IBS, but this is not the case in reverse - IBS will not ever lead to IBD. And as always, you cannot self-diagnose either disorder - it takes a gastroenterologist to do that.
Once you're positive you have actually been diagnosed with an inflammatory bowel disease such as Crohn's or ulcerative colitis, looking into herbs (and I'll use the term a little loosely here) is a really interesting avenue to explore. More research is being done on non-pharmaceutical approaches to IBD all the time, and one big benefit is the very low risk and high safety margin associated with the most common herbs for IBD.
An easy first step to take is trying the same herbs that help symptoms frequently found in both IBS and IBD, such as diarrhea, abdominal pain, and bloating/gas. Peppermint and fennel are safe choices that can dramatically ease these symptoms and make someone with IBD feel better, though they won't actively address the underlying inflammatory condition that's causing the IBD symptoms in the first place.
For herbs that show promise in reducing IBD symptoms as well as actual gut inflammation, turmeric is an option worth trying. Curcumin, a plant-derived chemical found in turmeric, has been shown to have anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and tumor-suppressive activities. In a study presented during this year's Digestive Disease Week conference, 89 ulcerative colitis patients in remission and on 5-ASA drug therapy were randomized to receive curcumin or placebo for 6 months. Relapse was seen in only 5% of curcumin-treated patients versus 21% of placebo-treated patients, and no serious adverse effects were reported. Looking for an easy way to start incorporating turmeric into your diet? Check out the delicious recipe for Indian Curied Potatoes above.
Probiotics are another non-drug approach to IBD that has shown promise in several studies, and additional clinical trials with different strains of probiotics are ongoing. As with most herbs, there are few, if any, side effects or risks to using probiotics to help IBD symptoms. This is really a case of trying something that may well help, and is very unlikely to hurt. Adding in a prebiotic (something that encourages the growth of probiotics in the gut) such as Acacia Tummy Fiber is another safe, and likely helpful, addition.
In general, most herbs and spices are digestive aids, and likely to help ease IBD symptoms. They are not a replacement for traditional medical therapies, but they are definitely joining the ranks of worthwhile treatments to explore. As always, with both IBS and IBD, the more choices we have for making ourselves healthier, the better off we all are.
~ Heather
Did you miss the last "Ask Heather" and getting off laxatives? Find it here...
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