Sunday 19 August 2012

Iberogast

FUTURE UPDATE 5/3/2015
I changed to a different naturopath. Please go to: http://shikzblog.blogspot.com.au/2014/02/leaky-gut-syndrome-damaged-microvilli.html. The current Naturopath I am seeing is more experienced and her remedies are helping more than the previous naturopath. It might also help to check out http://shikzblog.blogspot.com.au/2014/06/dothep-dothiepin-imovane.html and http://shikzblog.blogspot.com.au/2015/03/light-at-end-of-tunnel.html for a complete treatment plan for severe IBS.

FUTURE UPDATE 23/4/2013
I've just recently started to see a naturopath. Because she has given me some herbal remedies I feel it is unnecessary to continue with Iberogast, especially considering that it did not really have an impact on me. Refer to post "Naturopathy" for further information.

Don't forget to check out www.ibs-experiement.com for a complete online database of information relating to IBS. Everything from this blog plus additional information. It also includes a support forum where you can write and ask questions relating to IBS anonymously.

Future update (1/3/2013)
Ok, so I've been taking Iberogast for 6 months now, and unfortunately I still have daily symptoms. Perhaps my case is too severe for Iberogast to have much of an impact. I will still continue to take it, it can't hurt, but it does not appear to be helping much in my situation.


Posted 19/8/2012
Hey guys,

So my bf's mum came across this product called Iberogast which is meant to assist in the treatment of IBS and dyspepsia. I've taken it for about a week now with not much of a change, but I believe to get the full benefits you probably need to take it for at least 2 - 3 months. For some people, maybe even longer. But the good thing about this product is that it isn't too expensive and no known side effects, so it's safe to take long term.

There does seem to be quite a few good reviews on this product on Amazon.com. Lots of people seem to be happy so I am a little hopeful. Fingers crossed. Please please please work.

Here are some details:

http://www.flordis.com.au/pages/products/iberogast.php


What is Iberogast?

Iberogast® (STW 5) is specifically clinically proven for Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) symptoms and dyspepsia (heartburn and indigestion). It is a liquid formulation of 9 herbal extracts and has demonstrated proven efficacy in 19 clinical trials. Iberogast has been used for over 50 years by 25 million patients worldwide, in 17 countries. In Germany where Iberogast was developed, there are over 6 million bottles sold each year.

What is Iberogast used for?

Iberogast is a specifically clinically proven natural medicine which
  • may assist in the management of non-specific dyspepsia e.g. heartburn, nausea, bloating, stomach pain and cramping
  • assists in the management of symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) such as irregular bowel function, bloating, abdominal pain and cramping.

Iberogast offers all-round relief for:
  • Heartburn/acid reflux
  • Stomach pain/cramping
  • Indigestion
  • Bloating, gas
  • Diarrhoea
  • Constipation
  • Fullness
  • Early Satiety
  • Nausea

Taking Iberogast

Iberogast has been shown to be very well tolerated in numerous clinical trials and post marketing surveillance including over 42,000 children under the age of 12. There are no special warnings or precautions required for the use of Iberogast.
  • No known side effects
  • No known interactions between Iberogast and other medications
  • No known contraindications and no documented cases of overdose
Unless advised by a health care professional, Iberogast should not be taken during pregnancy or by breastfeeding mothers due to lack of clinical evidence in these patient groups. However, many years of therapeutic experience has shown no harmful effects for mothers or their children.

Dosage and Directions for Use

Iberogast is taken 3 times a day before or with meals, in a small amount of warm water (or mixed with another drink of your choice, preferably not chilled). Shake the bottle before use.


Adults and children over 12 years - 20 drops
Children 6 to 12 years - 15 drops
Children 3 to 6 years - 10 drops
Children 3 months to 3 years - 8 drops
Babies under 3 months - 6 drops


A dropper is already in place within the neck of the bottle for your convenience.
Flordis encourages you to discuss your health needs with your doctor, natural healthcare practitioner or pharmacist.
Always read the label. Use only as directed. If symptoms persist, patients should consult their healthcare professional.

FAQ

Is Iberogast tolerated by infants and children?
Yes. It can be taken mixed in with water or juice, preferably not chilled and applied with a pipette for small children.
Does Iberogast contain alcohol?
Yes, Iberogast contains alcohol and as such patients with illnesses related to alcohol should avoid Iberogast. It should be noted however that there is more alcohol in a glass of apple juice than in 4 times the adult dose of Iberogast.
Can Iberogast be used in coeliac disease?
Yes. Iberogast is gluten free.
Is Iberogast safe for long-term use?
Yes.
If you go to the Find A Practitioner tab above and follow the instructions, you will be able to find a list of practitioners in your state who either stock Iberogast or will know how to order Iberogast.
Does Iberogast affect the ability to drive and use machines?
Iberogast has no known adverse effects in these situations.
Can Iberogast be used for ‘Spastic Colon’?
Yes. ‘Spastic colon’ is another way of referring to Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).

General information on gut health

Gastrointestinal problems are common and are often associated with a wide variety of symptoms. Iberogast has a very broad range of actions so it provides a comprehensive and holistic approach, offering all-round relief. Iberogast is a liquid product which makes it easy for the whole family to use, including children. Evidence from numerous clinical studies supports Iberogast’s safe and effective use.
A lack of dietary fibre can also contribute to some of these gastrointestinal symptoms. To increase fibre intake some people take dietary fibre supplements, but some of these products can increase feelings of bloating and other symptoms. The insoluble fibre in Agiofibe and Agiolax is a convenient and simple way to increase dietary fibre and helps improve gut health without causing bloating. These products are also available from Flordis.
If symptoms persist, consult your healthcare professional.
The Australian public can access the Patient Support Programme, "Natural Relief for Irritable Bowel Syndrome”, through an Australia-wide network of leading natural health practitioners. Interested people can enrol by calling the Patient Support Line on 1300 633 635 or by enrolling online at www.ibsnatural.info

Iberogast Storage Information

Iberogast should only be used if the neck seal on the bottle is intact and it should not be used after the expiry date. Iberogast should be stored in a cool place that stays below 25°C. Please note, if Iberogast appears cloudy this will not affect the efficacy or safety of the product.

Manufacturer

Iberogast is made in Germany by Steigerwald Arzneimittelwerk GmbH, one of the world's leading herbal medicine companies. Iberogast is marketed in Australia and New Zealand by Flordis Natural Medicines.



Saturday 4 August 2012

Endep Withdrawal

Ok, so I've stopped taking Endep for 3 to 4 days now and OMG I did not expect withdrawal. No one told me that I had to come off that stuff gradually. So nausea came back full throttle, bad headaches, can't sleep well and heavy fatigue. WTF!

That's it! No more drugs! Same thing happened to me when I took Nexium and Somac. I'm not even sure if Endep did anything apart from making me sleep more. From now on I'm just sticking with good old fashion recovery:

- Healthy diet
- Sleep and rest
- A bit of regular exercise
- Herbal supplements