Signs of IBS
Inflammatory Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is increasingly
common among cats and dogs. Similar
to humans, the warning signs of IBS are fairly clear. In fact, it is likely that your pet either is experiencing or
has experienced symptoms of this disorder. If any of these traits are frequent and/or occur over a
prolonged period in time, you should consult with your veterinarian
immediately:
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Anorexia
- Weight loss
- Gastrointestinal inflammation
Managing Pet IBS
Dietary factors can push the disorder either
toward stability or toward further digestive disorders. Thus diet and nutrition plays a crucial role in correction
and treatment. There
are four key factors involved in managing your pet’s IBS:
1.
Increasing absorption of nutrients. Unfortunately, pesticides, chemicals and high levels of
allergenic foods (like wheat, soy, and casein), can typically be
found in pet food today and can cause damage to the delicate systems
of the digestive tract. These
situations typically lead to a decrease in the ability of your pet
to completely digest food. Incorporating
enzymes into your pet’s diet can help enhance absorption and
reduce inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract.
2.
Increasing protein digestibility. Your pet is at high risk of protein mal-absorption if the gut
is damaged and there is harmful bacteria growth in the stomach or
gastrointestinal tract. Probiotic
formulas that survive stomach acid can help reverse damage. Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that exist naturally in a
healthy gut. They are delicate and need to be processed correctly to stay
intact and pass through the naturally acidic stomach. Probiotics work with digestive enzymes to rebalance the
normal functions of the entire digestive system, thus reducing
inflammation and helping IBS symptoms. Probiotics are like mini-human and animal friends existing
inside the gut. They
need nourishment too.
3.
Providing fiber. Fiber formulas with antioxidants and prebiotics are necessary
to maintain the gut, restore motility and regularity, serve as
therapy for colon inflammation, and encourage helpful bacteria
growth. Antioxidants are what as known as free radical scavengers;
they pick up “lost and active” compounds that circulate the body
after exposure to toxins, stress, pollution and inflammation, help
stop the deadly cycle that ravages your pets and increases aging and
risk of cancer, and stop ROS (Reactive Oxidative Species, or “lost
and active compounds”) from damaging the body and causing an
increased risk of cancer.
4.
Achieving proper balance of the essential oils
that circulate your pet’s body.
There
are many different types of fats that your pet ingests, makes and
converts from one to another in the body. Specifically, there
are fats called Omega-6 and Omega-3 fatty acids that, if in balance,
can lead to widespread inflammation in the body, including such
states as IBS. Back in 1900, the ratio of Omega-6 to Omega-3
fats was 4 to 1; today, that ratio is 20 to 1, primarily due to the
unnatural processing of foods and lack of seafood diets dominated by
corn, wheat, soy and casein.
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* These statements have not been evaluated by
the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to
diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
