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      We Need To Talk About Hysterectomies And How They Really Affect Women

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      Hysterectomies affect millions of women of all ages. Yet, receives almost no attention. A newly released book and podcast by Melanie Verwoerd under the title: “Never Waste a Good Hysterectomy” aims to break this cycle of silence.

      How common are hysterectomies?

      The Stats

      Estimations are that 1 out of 5 women will have a hysterectomy by age 55. In America, the procedure is performed on 600 000 women annually. There are approximately 20 million American women at any stage who have had hysterectomies. In the EU, about 1.5 million hysterectomies are performed per annum, compared to 55 000 in the UK, 700 000 in India and 41 000 in Canada.

      There are no statistics available in South Africa.

      “We know that hysterectomies affect women of all ages,” says Melanie. “However, if we look at the patterns globally we know that the majority of hysterectomies are performed on women over 40 and it increases over 50.”

      That’s not to say that young women don’t get hysterectomies. There are medical reasons to undergo the procedure, with Lena Dunham opening up about her procedure and the fallout. For some, hysterectomies might be necessary when dealing with endometriosis or fibroids.

      Dealing with hysterectomies

      Having a hysterectomy is a radical, invasive operation. It involves removing the uterus, meaning a woman can no longer give birth. It also has an impact on a woman’s hormones, since the uterus is the housing station for hormones like oestrogen and progesterone.

      For Melanie, her hysterectomy happened when doctors discovered a growth in her uterus. “When an ovarian growth is detected (usually through an ultrasound), they will usually (if you can afford it) do a CT or MRI scan. If they can see that it is a hard mass of a certain size – and not a fluid-filled cyst, they get more worried,” she explains.

      “The sad and infuriating thing is that the only way they can then determine whether it is malignant or benign is to do surgery to remove the growth and for pathologists to look at it.

      “However, because they don’t want to do another surgery if the growth is indeed malignant, they will almost always do a pre-emptive radical hysterectomy. (Where they remove, the ovaries, uterus, some ligaments, and the cervix.) They usually also remove part of the omentum, which is a fatty curtain that protects your organs – but where cancer cells like to hide.  They will usually do an abdominal cut (as opposed to laparoscopic or vaginal procedure) because they don’t want parts of the tumour to chip off and “seed” in your abdomen if it is cancer. This of course means that it is a much bigger operation that involves a much longer recovery period.”

      The Research

      What’s infuriating for Melanie is that so little money and time is spent on research in the women’s health space that detecting and treating conditions such as hers ends up being invasive, costly and mentally and physically draining.

      “For example, more than double the amount of research funding globally is spent on prostate cancer. Thus, today, prostate cancers can be detected through simple non-invasive blood tests,” Melanie says. “Unsurprisingly, the 5-year survival rate for ovarian cancer is around 29% compared to over 95% in prostate cancer.”

      Hysterectomies take looong to recover from

      One of the things not spoken about enough is the long recovery time, as well as the emotional toll it takes on women. “Women are often told that it takes a maximum of 6 weeks to be back to your old self again,” says Melanie.

      “I have not met a single woman who felt that way. Although vaginal and laparoscopic hysterectomies have much shorter recovery times than abdominal cuts, it can take months for women to feel 100% fine again in all aspects. “

      The Psychological Ramifications

      “It is not only physical but there are a lot of psychological ramifications as well,” explains Melanie. After having undergone such a procedure, it’s common for women to feel depressed. Then there’s how the hysterectomy affects young women who have yet to enter menopause.

      “If ovaries are removed in pre-menopausal women it will of course put them into immediate menopause and so they have to deal with the intense hormonal crash,” says Melanie. “Many women also find that they gain weight, which is most probably more linked to hormonal changes than the actual operation and some find it very difficult to get their sexual groove back.”

      Then there are all the other physical changes that happen post-op. There can be complications post-op, like prolapse (when organs start to exit the vagina), incontinence (urine leakage), bleeding and general pelvic floor problems. All of these take a long time to resolve, from months to a year, if there’s adequate and rigorous treatment. And it can affect a woman’s sex life in a big way.

      Melanie’s hope with the book and accompanying podcast is to shed light on the matter and press for further research into the issue, so that women aren’t faced with such dire odds in the doctor’s office.

      Never Waste a Good Hysterectomy: The Podcast (available on all major platforms) features interviews with health and medical experts. Common questions such as: “Where did my pelvic floor go? How to get my sexual groove back? What happens on the day of the operation? How much bleeding is normal? Why are my hormones playing havoc? How to recover emotionally and get your partner to wash the dishes and cut the lawn during your recovery” are answered.

      The podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and all other major podcast platforms. More

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      Is Your Mattress Actually Good For You? Here’s How To Tell, According To The Experts

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      Sleep is our body’s top recovery mechanism. It impacts our health, our weight and is even affected by our menstrual cycle. But what you sleep on? That’s a different topic entirely.

      Signs you need a new bed

      “There are a few signs which indicate that you need a new mattress,” says Rudo Kemp, founder and CEO of Sloom. “If you are waking up feeling sore and stiff – your mattress isn’t correctly supporting you and distributing your weight which could cause pain in your neck, shoulder, lower back, and hips. This is the generic answer however, having been in the industry for 11 years I’ve found that there are many other factors to consider.” Other factors to consider? If there’s an indentation in your bed, it’s time to think about a new mattress. If your bed is more than eight years old, this is also a sign, says Rudo. And, if you’re waking up groggy (and consistently, sans partying the night before) or are plagued with allergies, it could be your bed that’s got to go.

      If your body changes, your mattress likely needs to change too.

      A good mattress should support your body changes and not leave you with little aches and pains. “If physical changes in your body such as ageing or weight gain are causing joint pain, muscle aches, and stiffness then it would be time to find a mattress that relieves your pressure points and supports your body,” says Rudo. Also, springs in beds wane in strength over time. You might want to look at a bed with a different supporting mechanism. According to Rudo, “The Sloom Mattress has modular comfort, meaning that the foam layers can be rearranged according to the specific firmness that you prefer. If your body is changing, it could mean that you require a different firmness level to support those needs. Sloom uses a high-density foam that is divided into five ergonomic zones that help relieve pressure on the shoulders and hips by correctly distributing your weight.”

      How to pick one

      This one’s a biggie. When it comes to picking a mattress, there’s a ton of conflicting information, but Rudo says there are five main points to consider:

      Will both myself and my partner enjoy the firmness of the mattress? Look for beds with split comfort so partners both wake up on the right side of the bed.

      Does it have zoned support to relieve pressure points? The Sloom mattress is divided into five different zones to relieve pressure.

      Does the mattress have an anti-bacterial treatment? Reducing allergies and bed bugs leaves you with a safe sleeping environment.

      Do I have support from the brand that I bought the mattress from? Aftercare service and the option to have the freedom to return your mattress after the trial is essential.

      Can I change the comfort levels? Some mattress companies can customise the firmness level of the bed.

      When you’re buying a mattress, it’s always easier to go for the cheapest option possible. But not knowing what’s in your mattress, not having the option to customise it and not having aftercare can dictate how well you’ll be sleeping each night. “The perception that a high or thick mattress is a better quality mattress still dictates the demand in the industry,” notes Rudo. When picking a mattress, look for high-quality foam. “Advances in foam technology have allowed for far more breathable foams with even better durability.  The foams that we use in our mattresses are not just any type of traditional high-density foam but rather a new generation of foams specifically formulated for better durability, longevity and quality,” he says. More

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      Salt Deficiency: 9 Disturbing Signs You’re Really Not Eating Enough Salt

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      Ah salt… The crack cocaine of dinner parties. These health-conscious days, a raised eyebrow as you reach for the shaker is par for the “course”, given that too much salt can be detrimental to otherwise healthy bodies.

      But what if we told you that too little salt can also be bad for you? Yup: Sodium is actually a mineral that’s fairly critical for a number of your bodily functions, including fluid balance, blood pressure management and the nervous system.

      A condition called hyponatraemia results from a low level of sodium in the blood, and it’s caused by… you guessed it: Too little of this maligned condiment. In fact, head’s up Fit Fam: Hyponatraemia may be caused by drinking too much water, for example during strenuous exercise, without proper replacement of sodium, which could lead to a salt deficiency. Electrolyte drinks, on the other hand, replenish sodium stores.

      READ MORE: New Research Shows Where Women Carry Fat Could Protect Them From Brain Disease

      What Causes Low Sodium Levels?

      A string of medical conditions can lead to low sodium levels in the body: kidney failure, congestive heart failure, adrenal insufficiency, hypothyroidism and cirrhosis of the liver. Anorexia and certain meds can also cause a sodium imbalance. But it can also result when sodium is lost during prolonged sweating and severe vomiting or diarrhoea.

      For the majority of us, the only time this would be an issue is if you have a diet severely low on salt, or you’re doing some mega training accompanied by mega sweating. Drinking too much water during exercise may dilute the sodium content in your blood, and dehydration also causes your body to lose fluids and electrolytes, which may cause your sodium level to dip. So you need to get that balance right.

      READ MORE: How To Use Genetic Testing To Improve Your Health

      So, What Should You Watch Out For?

      In long-term (chronic) hyponatraemia, where the blood sodium levels drop gradually over time, symptoms can be very non-specific and can include:

      Headache

      Confusion or altered mental state

      Seizures

      Decreased consciousness

      But the more subtle symptoms include:

      Restlessness

      Muscle spasms or cramps

      weakness

      dizziness

      Tiredness

      All of which can be accompanied by nausea and vomiting.

      How Is Salt Deficiency Diagnosed?

      The symptoms of hyponatraemia are not specific, so you’d need to pop in on your doc for a blood test to measure your sodium levels.

      READ MORE: 5 Things We ALL Do To Avoid Germs, That Are Actually Useless AF

      And How Is It Treated?

      Mild hyponatraemia may not require treatment other than adjustments in diet, lifestyle or meds. For severe cases, treatment often involves intravenous fluids and electrolytes.

      And If You’re Feeling Daring…

      Believe it or not, there are people out there who swear by downing pickle juice after a particularly heavy workout. This age-old remedy apparently works because pickle juice is made up mostly of water, vinegar and… salt. But, because there’s a bunch of conflicting evidence on its benefits out there, we suggest sticking to your regular electrolyte drink. More

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      8 Natural Laxatives That Actually Work To Relieve Constipation

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      Women are talking more about their bodies than ever, but one common issue is still pretty taboo: constipation (and laxatives).

      Well, we’re here to change that! After all, 16 percent of women regularly suffer from difficult bowel movements, while even more of us deal with it every once in a while, according to research. Fun fact: Constipation is more common in women than in men, possibly due to hormones. Yep, there’s no end to the list of things that can throw your bathroom habits out of whack. Think: your monthly cycle, dietary changes, stress, sleep problems, and even travel. Seriously, what’s that last one about???

      If you’re feeling blocked up, don’t wait more than two or three days before dealing with it, says Lisa Ganjhu, a gastroenterologist and clinical associate professor of medicine at NYU Langone Medical Center. “Your body is going to tell you it’s uncomfortable, so pay attention to it,” she says.

      And, good news: It can be pretty easy to get your bowels moving without any medication. “Natural laxatives are definitely gentler than some of the prescription laxatives, and even a little gentler than what you can get over the counter,” she says. Bonus: You probably have some of them already hanging out in your fridge or pantry. Laxative foods to the rescue!

      Here, we share eight natural laxatives that can get your bathroom habits moving again. Better yet, integrate them into your regular diet to keep things, well, regular:

      1/ Water

      Just like staying hydrated is good for the rest of your body, it’s helpful for your digestive system, too. “Water basically lubricates everything and softens the stool,” says Ganjhu. “The whole point of the stool getting to the colon is for it to try to absorb all of the extra water [along the way] in order to solidify.”

      The longer stool stays in the colon, though, the longer the water has to get sucked back out of it, eventually becoming rock hard—ouch. “Getting fluid back into your body helps to soften the stool and stimulates the colon to empty out,” she says.

      READ MORE: 6 Reasons Why You’re Pooping A Whole Lot More Than Usual

      2/ Greek Yoghurt

      Yoghurt and other probiotics are generally good for your gut and for digestion. “Whether you’ve got diarrhoea or you’re constipated, probiotics help your bowels because they reset your gut microbiome,” says Ganjhu. “We all have a billion bacteria in there, and if it’s not the right ones that are working well, that’s what can lead to indigestion, bloating, and changes in our bowels. Probiotics add more of the healthy bacteria to your gut and reconstitute your digestive tract with that good bacteria.”

      Look for Greek yoghurt varieties that list “live and active cultures” on their label, she recommends.

      READ MORE: Exactly Why You Get Gas And Diarrhoea On Your Period

      3/ Leafy Greens

      Leafy green veggies like spinach, kale, and cabbage are the densest in terms of fibre, which is what your system really needs in order to get moving. “That fibre stimulates the colon to contract — it gives it a sense of fullness, which it wants to push out,” says Ganjhu.

      Considering the fact that most people don’t get close to consuming the recommended 25 grams of fibre per day, upping your intake of leafy greens could be a quick way to jumpstart your digestive tract. Plus, leafy greens are chock full of magnesium, which can help naturally soften stool, she says.

      READ MORE: ​11 Ways To Get Rid Of Period Bloating, According To Gynaes

      4/ Aloe Vera

      You’ve probably used aloe for sunburns or in other beauty products, but you may have noticed the ingredient popping up on your grocery store shelves lately, most likely in juice form. “Aloe is one of the most common natural laxatives people are taking,” says Ganjhu. “It makes the stool a little more lubricated, which makes it easier to pass.”

      Research shows that aloe contains 75 vitamins, enzymes, minerals, and sugars, in addition to natural laxative compounds called anthraquinones, which up the amount of water in your intestines, help your body produce more mucus, and increase the contractions that keep food moving through your GI system.

      READ MORE: “Is It A Bad Idea To Have Sex While I’m Constipated?”

      5/ Chia Seeds

      You probably know if you leave chia seeds in water, they turn into a kind of jelly. That’s what makes them so helpful as natural laxatives, says Ganjhu. “In your system, when the chia seeds combine with liquid, they expand, and that gel-like texture makes it easy for the stool to move through the bowels,” she explains.

      And considering the fact that one ounce contains 10 grams of fibre, sprinkling some chia seeds into your meal is almost guaranteed to make you need to go.

      READ MORE: “How Often Should I Really Be Pooping — And What Can I Do About It?”

      6/ Flaxseeds

      One tablespoon of flaxseed contains almost three grams of fibre, according to the USDA, which is a lot for a tiny food that’s easy to hide in smoothies or salads. “All that extra fibre will stimulate the bowels,” says Ganjhu.

      The seeds contain “mucilage,” a gummy compound that coats your digestive system to make bowel movements proceed more smoothly. Flaxseed is also high in magnesium, so that can help stimulate the urge to go, too, she says.

      READ MORE: This Is What Happens To Your Body When You Hold In Your Poop

      7/ High-Fibre Fruits

      Like leafy greens, certain fruits are packed with fibre. Stock up on fresh fruits like berries, which “provide the fibre but won’t make you as gassy as leafy greens or apples and pears might,” says Ganjhu. Plus, the antioxidants in berries have anti-inflammatory properties that could soothe your GI system.

      Dried fruits such as apricots, figs, and — shocker — prunes are a good option, too. “Dehydrated food have a combination of dense fibre and extra sugar, which can increase the bowel movements,” she says.

      READ MORE: Are You Really Getting Enough Fibre In Your Diet?

      8/ Oils

      Consuming a bit of olive oil, mineral oil, flaxseed oil, or castor oil could lube up your bowels. “I prescribe a lot of olive oil or mineral oil,” says Ganjhu. “Just drink a tablespoon. It goes down your digestive tract and softens the stool, making it a little more slippery or softer so it doesn’t hurt as much as if you’re trying to pass a hard stool.”

      If the idea of knocking back a shot of olive oil makes you queasy, use the oil as a cooking agent or salad dressing. Just remember that this natural laxative option is anything but kilojoule-free. One tablespoon contains 502 kilojoules.

      This article was originally published on www.womenshealthmag.com More

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      Everything You Need To Know About Endometriosis

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      Endometriosis: what a bloody mess. It’s a condition as common as asthma and diabetes, but not as often discussed. It’s estimated that one in ten women suffer from endometriosis. The condition can be so debilitating that women often need to stay home, missing work or other important activities. 

      What are the symptoms of endometriosis?

      While ramped-up period pain is often associated with endometriosis, it doesn’t end there. The most common signs are:

      Cramps — Common PMS cramps generally show up right before your period. Pelvic pain caused by endometriosis can show up days (even weeks) earlier than the expected PMS discomfort.

      Gastrointestinal or bladder issues — Sometimes the uterine lining can travel and attach itself to the bladder or bowels and can cause painful issues like constipation, diarrhoea, or the feeling that you’ve got a UTI.

      Painful sex — If you’re feeling pain during deep penetration (as opposed to say, the insertion of the penis) your gynae may suspect endometriosis.

      Backache — endometrial glands can travel along the back or frontal wall of the pelvic cavity, which can cause back pain or stomach aches.

      Fertility issues — When endometriosis is severe, it can damage or block the fallopian tubes or distort the pelvic cavity, lowering your odds of reproductive success. Around 70% of patients with endometriosis will have no fertility issues. According to the American Society of Reproductive Medicine, up to 30% of women with endometriosis struggle to get pregnant, doctors are unsure whether it’s to do with endometrium distorting the pelvic anatomy, altering the chemicals that affect egg quality or the implantation environment of the embryo, or whether another factor affects how sperm move up the fallopian tube.

      If you suspect something’s not right, go see your doctor, stat.

      READ MORE: 10 Tips To Keep Your Vagina Happy And Healthy

      Who’s affected?

      Women and girls of reproductive age, mostly between 15 and 49. There is a hereditary element, but scientists don’t know if one gene or a family of genes predispose women to endometriosis. There isn’t a known equivalent of the BRCA gene (which indicates if someone has a higher risk of developing breast cancer), but scientists are trying to determine if one exists, to then help identify people needing laparoscopic surgery for endometriosis diagnosis.

      How it grows

      Endometriosis is thought to be linked to oestrogen levels, with research indicating that sufferers show resistance to progesterone, the other female sex hormone. This is one possible explanation for associated infertility, as progesterone is necessary to thicken the uterus lining each month. Without it, the uterus may be an unfavourable habitat for an embryo to embed and form a pregnancy.

      READ MORE: 6 Reasons That Explain Why You’re Constantly Tired

      Medication

      Because scientists believe the growth of endometriosis lesions is driven by oestrogen, patients are prescribed drugs to stop ovaries producing the hormone, which subsequently reduces pain, stops the problem progressing and reduces adhesion size. Typical medication includes the combined pill, progestogens, a progestogen IUD (like the Mirena coil); or a GnRH (gonadotropin-releasing hormone) agonist, which causes temporary menopause.

      Surgery

      The aim is to alleviate pain by removing the endometriosis, dividing adhesions or removing cysts. Conservative surgery is usually done via laparoscopy (keyhole surgery). The surgeon will either cut out the adhesions (known as excision) or destroy them using heat or laser (ablation). Complex surgery is required when the endometriosis adhesions are spread across multiple organs, like the bowel or bladder.

      READ MORE: 12 Reasons Why You’re Suddenly Experiencing Painful Sex

      Severe pain

      Chronic pain affects many women with endometriosis. This can lead to central sensitisation, whereby the more exposure a person has to pain, the lower their threshold becomes. Brain imaging studies have shown that chronic pain patients have a reduced volume of grey matter in the area associated with muscle control and sensory perceptions, such as memory and self-control.

      Hysterectomy

      Hysterectomy is a radical surgery for endometriosis and, if guidelines are followed, should only be considered if a patient hasn’t responded to other treatments. Most experts agree that it should only be used in adenomyosis (where adhesions grow into the uterus wall). More

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      5 Simple Ways To Tell Exactly When You’re Ovulating

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      There are two reasons you’ll want to know when you are ovulating: if you’re trying to fall pregnant or if you’re trying not to fall pregnant. In previous years, you’d have to rely on an old-school calendar to track your menstrual cycle. But with technology comes major perks that allow you to tell when you’re ovulating. Here are a few of the methods.

      Menstrual Tracker

      You should be ovulating about 14 days before the start of your next period. If you are not sure how long your cycle is, start marking the days of your cycle in your menstrual tracker — starting with day one on the first day of your period. Once you have established a pattern, the app can predict ovulation reliably.

      READ MORE: Everything You Really Need To Know About Irritable Bowel Syndrome

      Pay Attention To Your Body’s Signs

      You might get a slight pain over your ovary at the time of ovulation. Also, The cervical mucus changes a few days before you ovulate, making it easier for sperm to get into the uterus and to the egg that was released. The volume of your discharge will increase and it becomes almost elastic. Your temperature also rises by about half a degree.

      Ovulation Sticks

      These work just like pregnancy tests — detecting a surge of hormones in your urine. You start using them at the same time of day from about day twelve of your cycle or about 16 days before you think your next period will start. If two lines appear, it means that you will ovulate within the next 24 hours.

      Clicks Ovulation Test

      This kit tests for the luteinizing hormone, present during ovulation.

      READ MORE: 10 Tips To Keep Your Vagina Happy And Healthy

      Fertile Focus

      This is a little device that can be bought from pharmacies. You put a drop of spit on a small microscope lens and then look for a fern pattern forming on it when it has dried out. It costs a few hundred rand, but is worth it if you’re going to be using it every month.

      Fertile Focus

      Fertile Focus uses your saliva to detect ovulation.

      Blood Tests

      This is usually only used in fertility clinics if you are having problems conceiving. Very important to remember: the natural or rhythm method of pregnancy prevention (not having sex around ovulation) is not very reliable. If falling pregnant will be a catastrophe, try something more reliable!

      READ MORE: How To Use Genetic Testing To Improve Your Health

      Get a Fitness Tracker Watch

      Fitness trackers do so much more than measure your BPM during your workout. Using your body’s temperature, they can now detect ovulation. Make sure you buy a fitness tracker that has menstrual cycle capabilities, since this is the functionality you’re looking for.

      Apple Series 8 Watch

      Temperature sensing works with menstrual tracking to detect when you’re ovulating. More

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      Everything You Need To Know About Heat Rash (And How To Prevent It)

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      Got itchiness, prickling sensations or red bumps on your body? You might have this skin condition. But don’t fret. We’ve got the low-down on this particularly prickly problem and how you can prevent it this summer.

      What Exactly Is A Heat Rash?

      There are many types of skin rashes, which can be concerning, uncomfortable, or downright painful. One of the common types of rash is heat rash, otherwise known as miliaria.

      In simple terms, a heat rash is a skin condition that affects children and adults in hot, humid weather conditions (hello summer), and it usually develops when your pores become blocked and the sweat can’t escape. Most often, you’ll develop a heat rash on the parts of your body that rub together — think inner thighs or under your arms. Yeah, friction…

      READ MORE: 10 Tips To Keep Your Vagina Happy And Healthy

      What Does It Look Like?

      There are three types of heat rash, which can vary in severity and tend to look a little different:

      1. Miliaria Crysallina

      This is the most common and mildest form of heat rash. You’ll notice small clear or white bumps filled with fluid on the surface of your skin. These bumps are bubbles of sweat and will often burst. This type of heat rash doesn’t itch and shouldn’t be painful, and is more common in young babies than in adults.

      2. Miliaria Rubra

      Also known as “prickly heat”, this one’s more common in adults than in children and babies and causes more discomfort than miliaria crysallina because it occurs deeper in the outer layer of the skin or epidermis.

      It may cause: Itchy or prickly sensations, red bumps on the skin, and a lack of sweat in the affected area. Because your body can’t release sweat through the skin’s surface, you’ll also experience inflammation and soreness. But wait, there’s more: The bumps can progress and fill with pus, which is known as miliaria pustulosa.

      3. Miliaria Profunda

      This one is the least common form of heat rash, but it’s one that can recur often and become chronic. It occurs in the dermis, which is the deeper layer of skin. This type of heat rash typically occurs in adults after a physical activity that produces sweat. You’ll notice larger, tough, flesh-coloured bumps.

      As the heat rash stops sweat from leaving your skin, it may lead to nausea and dizziness.

      READ MORE: How To Use Genetic Testing To Improve Your Health

      The Cause

      A heat-related rash occurs when pores become blocked and can’t expel sweat. This is more likely to happen in warmer months, warmer climates and after intense exercise. Also, wearing certain clothing can trap sweat — boom: itchiness, prickling sensations and red bumps. Beware of using thick lotions and creams too.

      Take note: It is possible to get a heat-related rash in cooler weather if you wear clothes or sleep under covers that lead to overheating. Call a doctor if you begin to experience a fever, chills, increased pain or pus draining from the bumps, but the rash is rarely serious and it often goes away without treatment in a few days.

      READ MORE: Skin Cycling: Here’s How To Do The Viral TikTok Skincare Regime

      Follow these tips to prevent heat rash:

      Avoid wearing tight clothing that doesn’t allow your skin to breathe. Moisture-wicking fabrics help prevent sweat build-up on the skin.

      Don’t use thick lotions or creams that can clog your pores.

      Try not to become overheated, especially in warmer months. Seek out air-conditioning.

      Use a soap that won’t dry your skin and doesn’t contain fragrances or dyes. More

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      Everything You Really Need To Know About Irritable Bowel Syndrome

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      For some, IIrritable Bowel Syndrome, or IBS, is a chronic disorder that characterises daily living. For others, it is a periodically unwelcome visitor. IBS affects 15 to 20% of the general population and is a complex disorder without definitive answers.

      Defining IBS

      It is rarely one single symptom that qualifies IBS. IBS is a ‘syndrome’, meaning a group of symptoms. Irritable Bowel Syndrome affects predominantly the colon or large bowel. It is the part of the digestive tract that stores stool. It is not a disease but a functional disorder, meaning that the bowel does not work, or function, correctly.

      IBS does not damage the colon or other parts of the digestive system. It is not a precursor to other health problems or diseases such as colon cancer.

      IBS is not synonymous with inflammatory bowel disease. The main forms of which are Crohn’s Disease and ulcerative colitis. This involves inflammation of the intestines and is more severe than IBS.

      IBS is often sub-classified as diarrhoea type or constipation type. This depends on the major symptoms experienced by the individual.

      Prevalence

      IBS usually begins around age 20 and is more common among women. It is the most common disease diagnosed by gastroenterologists. Also, one of the most common disorders seen by primary care physicians/general practitioners.

      READ MORE: Tracey-Lee Lusty Opens Up About Her Bariatric Surgery And What Being Body Positive Means To Her Now

      Symptoms

      Common Symptoms

      Symptoms vary from person to person and may even vary for an individual from day to day. It could fluctuate between extremes such as diarrhoea and constipation. The most common symptoms are abdominal cramping (especially in the lower left side of the abdomen), discomfort and bloating.

      Other Symptoms

      Incomplete evacuation

      Mucus in stool

      Flatulence

      The sudden need to pass a stool upon waking in the morning or after breakfast or coffee

      Another symptom of IBS is bowel movements that are inconsistent with one’s normal patterns. However, with ‘normal’ bowel movements varying significantly from person to person, it is difficult to establish criteria just on one’s frequency of bowel movements. Signs and symptoms often resemble those of other disorders or diseases, making diagnosis that much more difficult.

      The following are not symptoms of IBS:

      These symptoms could indicate other forms of bowel disease or problems.

      Factors That Make It Worse

      Hormonal changes (during the menstrual cycle, for example)

      Smoking

      Food sensitivity (to wheat or lactose, for example)

      Processed and smoked foods

      Insufficient or excessive fibre

      Abnormal intestinal bacteria

      Gas-forming foods such as pulses and cabbage

      Drinks containing caffeine and/or alcohol as well as carbonated drinks

      Sensitivity to artificial additives, colourants, flavourants etc.

      Antibiotics

      Certain painkillers, antidepressants and antihistamines

      Stress, anxiety and depression

      It’s clear that IBS is often interlinked with other disorders. This suggests that finding a solution for one ailment (such as stress or hormonal imbalance) could indirectly relieve associated IBS symptoms.

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      IBS and Emotional Stress

      The stomach area has been referred to in some cultures as the ‘seat of our emotions’. Ample research has been done over the past three decades. The results support theories that there is a close link between IBS and emotions. One of the first references to the concept of an “irritable bowel” appeared in the Rocky Mountain Medical Journal in 1950. The term was used to categorise patients who developed symptoms of diarrhoea, abdominal pain or constipation, but where no well-recognised infective cause could be found.

      In 2001, researchers led by Dr Svein Blomhoff of the National Hospital in Oslo, Norway, studied the effects of emotional words on women with IBS. The women’s rectal muscles responded by contracting or relaxing in 70 to 77 percent of cases. The strongest responses were to words that were related to sadness and anxiety. Researchers concluded that when treating IBS, the emotional and mental state of the patient is important in determining a course of treatment.

      This psychosomatic link makes IBS even more difficult, particularly for non-sufferers, to understand.

      The digestive tract is a highly complex and sensitive system involving several different types of nerve pathways that run between the brain and the digestive organs, which interact with other systems in the body, including higher-order functions such as emotional processing. The intestinal lining hosts an entire network of nerves, known as the enteric nervous system.

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      Stress

      Stress has a strong impact on the gastrointestinal tract of any person, whether a sufferer of gastrointestinal disorders or not. Symptoms such as abdominal pain and inconsistent passage of faeces are common in anxiety-based disorders. Not only can inner conflict or responses to one’s environment precede gastrointestinal symptoms, but these symptoms are also likely to produce further symptoms of anxiety or depression. In addition to the direct effects that stress has on the digestive system, there may be indirect effects, for example compulsive ‘comfort eating’ or smoking during stressful times, which also affects digestion.

      Diagnosis

      No specific laboratory test exists to diagnose IBS and diagnosis is rarely immediate. Instead, ongoing processes of elimination are employed, such as the elimination of certain foods in the diet. For example, if dairy products are cut out of the diet but IBS symptoms do not improve within that period, lactose intolerance is ruled out and an elimination of wheat may begin. Diagnosis is also made through the exclusion of other ailments. For example, an evaluation of the patient’s stool might reveal that the cause of symptoms is due to a gastrointestinal infection.

      IBS is generally diagnosed on the basis of a complete analysis of medical history that includes a careful description of symptoms and a physical examination. Doctors generally use a set list of specific symptoms, called the Rome criteria and Manning criteria, to make an accurate diagnosis. It is suggested that patients keep a diary to record and supply daily symptoms to their doctor.

      Treatment

      No cure has been found for IBS but many options are available to treat the symptoms. Your doctor will give you the best treatment for your particular symptoms.

      Medication

      Medication affects people differently, and no one medication or combination of medications will work for everyone with IBS. You will need to work with your doctor to find the best solution for you.

      Antispasmodics are commonly prescribed, which help to control colon muscle spasms and reduce abdominal pain. Probiotics are often recommended to IBS sufferers to restore the natural bacterial balance in the digestive system. Fibre supplements are generally advised for constipation (however, bloatedness and gas can worsen with increased insoluble fibre intake). Dietary and lifestyle changes should always be tried before laxatives or anti-diarrhoea medication is used. Any medication should be used very carefully since some are habit-forming and could impair intestinal functioning even further in the long term.

      Diet

      As discussed above, fibre may be beneficial to the colon or it may aggravate symptoms. It is suggested that IBS sufferers gradually add foods with fibre to their diet – a sudden influx of fibre can be too harsh on a sensitive digestive system. Large meals can cause cramping and diarrhoea, thus it is best to eat small meals throughout the day. It is also important to keep hydrated and drink between six and eight glasses of water per day. Many IBS sufferers find that spicy foods exacerbate their symptoms.

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      Soluble fibre helps both diarrhoea and constipation. It dissolves in water and forms a gel-like substance. Some foods that contain soluble fibre are apples, beans and citrus fruits. Psyllium, a natural vegetable fibre, is also a soluble fibre. Insoluble fibre helps constipation by moving material through your digestive system and adding bulk to your stool. Insoluble fibre is found in wholegrain bread, wheat bran and many vegetables.

      Stress Management

      The colon, like the heart and the lungs, is partly controlled by the autonomic nervous system, which responds to stress. Thus it is no surprise that the digestive system reacts to stressful situations – when one is nervous or upset during times of conflict, for example. Occasionally, antidepressants are prescribed to alleviate stress-related symptoms – certain types of antidepressants are more suited to a diarrhoea-type IBS and others are more suited to a constipation-type IBS. Lifestyle changes and relaxation techniques such as meditation and exercise should, as far as possible, be the primary source of stress management. More