Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a functional disorder of the intestines. Symptoms usually include abdominal pain, constipation, or diarrhea. It affects women three times more often than men. In this syndrome, the gastrointestinal tract is especially sensitive to many stimuli. Stress, diet, drugs, hormones, or minor irritants may cause the gastrointestinal tract to react abnormally.

Periods of stress and emotional conflict that cause depression or anxiety frequently exacerbate episodes of irritable bowel syndrome. During an episode, most of which occur during the waking hours, the contractions of the gastrointestinal tract become stronger and more frequent, and the resulting rapid transit of food and feces through the small intestine often leads to diarrhea. Crampy pain seems to result from the strong contractions of the large intestine and increased sensitivity of the pain receptors in the large intestine.

A physical examination by a physician often may not reveal anything unusual in an IBS sufferer, except maybe some tenderness over the large intestine. IBS is normally only diagnosed through extensive testing which can be frustrating to the patient looking for an answer. Proper diet along with enzyme supplements can often play a part in relieving IBS.

Lack of the proper digestive enzymes adds stress to the body. This stress usually comes in the form of:
1.) your body not being able to digest food properly and receive the nutrient value from food;
2.) your immune system becoming depressed handling the stress of not only the digestive disorder, but also the mental anguish;
3.) your gastrointestinal tract reacting to the toxins which then can leave the damaged intestinal tract and enter the blood stream in the form of undigested foods which are distributed throughout the body.

Taking supplemental enzymes to aid in the digestion of food, enhance the capability of the immune system, and help eliminate the toxins in the body can be an excellent way to relieve IBS symptoms. Some form of stress relieving activity must be sought for the IBS sufferer. The diet must also be closely monitored to not include too many starches, fats, red meat or dairy products, and include good sources of protein, fresh vegetables and some fruits. Regular physical activity is also very important to keep the gastrointestinal tract functioning normally.

NOTE: The following suggestions are based on the clinical experience gathered from the Enzyme Therapy Clinic, operated by Transformation Enzyme Corp. in Houston, Texas, and from other clinical observations Transformation Enzyme Corp. has compiled from its associated health care practitioners who utilize enzyme therapy as part of their treatment regimens. Both Transformation Enzyme Corp. and Enzyme Essentials, LLC, do not purport to diagnose disease nor do we have, or claim to have, knowledge of your medical history or your current medical condition. Therefore, we don't know, nor claim to know, if the digestive enzymes discussed here are applicable or appropriate to your current situation. We recommend that you seek the care and advice of a health care professional and that the information provided here be shared with that health care professional should you decide to act on any of this information.

Enzyme Suggestions:
With every meal - 2 OxiCellZyme and 2 PureZyme
Following each meal - 2 GastroZyme
Before Bed - 3 Plantadophilus

The Enhanced E-Club plus 2 bottles of GastroZyme will generally provide a one-month's supply of the above regimen.