Irritable Bowel Syndrome - Irritable Bowel/Crohn's Disease - Health/Fitness

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About Heather Van Vorous
(Top Expert on this page)

Expertise
I can address questions regarding diet, cooking, recipes, and non-pharmaceutical supplements (soluble fiber, herbal, probiotics, etc.) for IBS. I can supply information sources about diagnostic guidelines, symptoms, and the medical pathology of IBS, but I cannot give a diagnosis or analyze test results a patient has obtained. I would prefer not to answer questions about prescription drugs and diagnostic tests. PLEASE DO NOT TELL ME YOUR SYMPTOMS AND THEN ASK ME TO DIAGNOSE YOU!

Experience
I'm the founder and president of HelpForIBS.com, an organization dedicated to serving people with Irritable Bowel Syndrome. My goal is to offer education, support, and help that allows people with IBS to successfully manage their symptoms through lifestyle modifications.

I'm the author of Eating for IBS, the only explicit dietary guide and cookbook for people with bowel disorders. Eating for IBS then led to my second book, The First Year: IBS, a comprehensive view of the disorder and every way to successfully manage it. Together, these works have become the two best-selling, best-reviewed IBS books in America.

My writing has led to an ongoing Canadian clinical research study of the groundbreaking dietary guidelines for Irritable Bowel Syndrome in Eating for IBS; this work also led to my inclusion in the 4th edition of Who's Who in Medicine and Healthcare. Today's Dietitian has featured my IBS dietary guidelines, and I regularly exhibit at the international Digestive Disease Week conference to reach gastroenterologists and internists. I'm also the author of "Heather's IBS Newsletter", which is free to subscribers and is published twice monthly. As a result, I've become recognized as the foremost patient-expert on IBS in America. I've personally had IBS since age 9.

I now teach classes on managing IBS through lifestyle modifications, I developed the Heather's Tummy Care line of organic medical foods for the dietary management of IBS, and I'm planning to work with corporate HR departments to offer employee IBS education programs. I host Heather Cooks!, the Seattle television cooking show for good digestive health.

Publications
Canadian Living Magazine
USA Today
Today's Dietitian
Digestive Health & Nutrition Magazine
Health Magazine
American Airlines In-Flight Magazine
Health.com
DiscoverCare.org
Drkoop.com

Eating for IBS excerpts and recipes licensed by Novartis Pharmaceuticals

Education/Credentials
M.A. 1996
B.A. 1992

Awards and Honors
Inclusion in Marquis Who's Who in Medicine and Healthcare

Eating for IBS Finalist for an IACP Julia Child Cookbook Award 2001

Eating for IBS #17 on the Library Journal's Cookbook Bestseller list for 2000

You are here: Experts > Health/Fitness > Irritable Bowel/Crohn's Disease > Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Subject	Date Asked	Expert

Lactose	2/8/2010	Heather Van Vorous
Q: Heather I am feeling much bwetter since I have been gluten free since Xmas. My usually big hard ... A: then both the dairy and the coffee are big triggers. Check here ...
foods that trigger irritable bowel	2/4/2010	Heather Van Vorous
Q: i think i suffer from irritable bowel it seems that when i eat anything with cream in it i get ... A: Check here http://www.helpforibs.com/news/newsletter/06/020706.html#askheather for full information. ...
IBS	1/24/2010	Heather Van Vorous
Q: My life has been a nightmare for the last 10 years and recently has got worse. The Doctors have ... A: My area is really IBS, and not IBD, but I believe that the dietary guidelines for both are the same. ...
SEVERE BLOATING CONSTIPATION	1/21/2010	Heather Van Vorous
Q: If using suppositories & fleet enemas no longer work what non toxic non pharm supplements besides ... A: from enemas and prune juice to aloe vera is likely to make IBS symptoms worse, not better. All of ...
Fibre powders	1/18/2010	Heather Van Vorous
Q: How do you feel about fibre powders like Metamucil and Benefibre. I thought I would try some ... A: Please see this page http://www.helpforibs.com/supplements/sol_fiber1.asp for comprehensive info ...
IBS	1/12/2010	Heather Van Vorous
Q: I have two questions please:- Firstly, I understand that a lot of people get relief using the ... A: Those are very different than irritable bowel syndrome, which has no inflammation. I don't know of ...
Evening walk?	1/11/2010	Heather Van Vorous
Q: Heather I walk on my treadmill for at least a half hour a day, mostly in the morning or afternoon. ... A: Walking on a treadmill would work (I wouldn't run or do anything to work up a sweat). Just lying ...
Worry.....	1/5/2010	Heather Van Vorous
Q: I have suffered from constipation for a while. I understand this and how to deal with it however ... A: I really can't diagnose you. If the blood continues see a doctor. Usually bright red blood on toilet ...
Bloating	12/15/2009	Heather Van Vorous
Q: You have already answered numerous questions of mine; wanted to let you know that I have been using ... A: but I hope things continue to really improve. I do think the Fennel Tummy Tea would help the ...
Probiotics	12/10/2009	Heather Van Vorous
Q: Heather I am a senior male in fairly good health but I have alwayssuffered from digestive issues ... A: diarrhea, constipation, gas, etc. They certainly can't hurt. Many traditional cultures have some ...
Probiotics; IBS?	12/9/2009	Heather Van Vorous
Q: First off, thanks so much for taking the time to read this question. I am going to try and give you ... A: the Tummy Fiber is safe to take with an ulcer, but it will not heal the ulcer. It will just help to ...
If its not irritable bowel, is it similar?	12/2/2009	Heather Van Vorous
Q: After visiting a naturopath I was told although I have stomach aches, bloating and diarrhea, I don't ... A: You may need to have some tests run (probably at least bloodwork) and maybe some other tests as ...
Probiotics; IBS?	12/1/2009	Heather Van Vorous
Q: First off, thanks so much for taking the time to read this question. I am going to try and give you ... A: The acid blockers may be just to make you feel more comfortable - I'm not sure. I'd call and ask ...
Probiotics; IBS?	11/30/2009	Heather Van Vorous
Q: First off, thanks so much for taking the time to read this question. I am going to try and give you ... A: I'd keep up the one you're taking, and if you want to add in another brand/type of culture as well ...
Benefiber vs Citracel	11/29/2009	Heather Van Vorous
Q: I have been drinking Citrucel before meals for IBS. Recently someone recommended Benefiber. Do you ... A: for IBS, my first recommendation would be Tummy Fiber. It's acacia senegal, certified organic, and ...
IBS diet and Gluten Free	11/16/2009	Heather Van Vorous
Q: Heather, how do I modify your diet to match my gluten free diet? I have been diagnosed with IBS and ... A: The key is just to focus on the soluble fiber foods that are gluten free - things like rice, rice ...
Excessive Smelly Gas	11/12/2009	Heather Van Vorous
Q: I understand that everyone has gas, but believe me, the amount I have is abnormal and painful. I ... A: //www.helpforibs.com/footer/gas.asp but it is addressing gas as a part of Irritable Bowel Syndrome. ...
IBS	10/29/2009	Heather Van Vorous
Q: I have IBS and there are times I am not able to digest certain foods. They basically come right out ... A: I'm not familiar with that drug and really can't address this. I would definitely ask your doctor ...
colon cleansers	10/28/2009	Heather Van Vorous
Q: I just wondered whether you would recommend colon cleansers or would they do nothing (or even make ... A: They are unnecessary at best and liable to make IBS drastically worse. I don't know why licorice ...
IBS supplements	10/27/2009	Heather Van Vorous
Q: Do young people mostly get IBS between 20 and 40 say? Is IBS always long or do a lot of people grow ... A: though the older you are when symptoms begin the more tests you'll need to rule out other problems. ...
Turkey and IBS	10/19/2009	Heather Van Vorous
Q: Why is it that for the last 5 yrs I can't eat turkey without having a major IBS attack. A: including turkey, should be safe for IBS. The skin and dark meat are too high in fat and can cause ...
IBS Question	10/8/2009	Heather Van Vorous
Q: I'm 18 and have had IBS since I was 15. The symptoms such as pain and weakness and the many stomach ... A: There are lots of natural alternatives to laxatives and anxiety meds that can work better for IBS ...
Fats	10/6/2009	Heather Van Vorous
Q: I used to get terrible bloating after meals, even something light like a chicken ceasar. I tried ... A: so cutting back on those would likely help bloating. You might see a gastroenterologist for some ...
Gut Pains	10/4/2009	Heather Van Vorous
Q: My appetite has never been good is varies from week to week, I've always had problems putting weight ... A: I cannot diagnose you, you really need to see a gastroenterologist for that. It could be anything ...
stomach pain	10/3/2009	Heather Van Vorous
Q: I have been dealing with stomach pain my whole life. I have been in and out the hospital and I have ... A: My heart goes out to you. If you have been diagnosed with IBS then following the IBS diet ...
Gluten free and fiber	10/1/2009	Heather Van Vorous
Q: I have 2 quick questions. I'm interested in starting your diet but I have Celiac Disease, can you ... A: //www.helpforibs.com/news/newsletter/07/032007.html that's really helpful. With commercial gluten ...
IBS Symptoms	9/24/2009	Heather Van Vorous
Q: However, I have noticed that I have really bad back pain, abdominal pain, and I also feel like ... A: you need to see a gastroenterologist. The diagnostic criteria for IBS, symptoms, test you might ...
your books	9/22/2009	Heather Van Vorous
Q: I have the ibs cookbook and the ibs guide for starters and I am confused because in both books it ... A: Try decaf green tea, or even better try herbal teas such as peppermint, fennel, or chamomile. Those ...
IBS?	9/20/2009	Heather Van Vorous
Q: I am a 26 yr old woman, everytime I eat or drink the smallest amount my stomach gets severely ... A: but you really need to see a GI doc for a diagnosis. Lots of other things can cause IBS-type ...
Bloating after lunch	9/19/2009	Heather Van Vorous
Q: My husband has a big belly, although not fat-the rest of him is pretty skinny. He has been checked ... A: Mornings are often worse for people, for example. Can your husband try snacking a little throughout ...
Breakfast mix and all-day gas	9/16/2009	Heather Van Vorous
Q: I am no stranger to IBS as I've been dealing with it for most of my life. I have a question ... A: Sure thing! One last point - if you have problems you can pinpoint to wheat, especially non-whole ...
Breakfast mix and all-day gas	9/15/2009	Heather Van Vorous
Q: I am no stranger to IBS as I've been dealing with it for most of my life. I have a question ... A: I would avoid all artifical sweeteners, including Splenda (check here ...
Gas / Flatulence	9/13/2009	Heather Van Vorous
Q: I have some questions I'm hoping you can help with. I've been diagnosed with IBS. My biggest ... A: That would work much better than peppermint or spearmint for those symptoms (mints are better for ...
IBS	9/8/2009	Heather Van Vorous
Q: I haven't been officially diagnosed with IBS, still completing some testing for confirmation. ... A: Some people have symptoms in a very set pattern like you, some people don't. If your symptoms are ...
IBS-	8/31/2009	Heather Van Vorous
Q: I have had just about every test done to diagnose these stomach problems i have had.The only thing ... A: but I can give you the diagnostic criteria and symptoms that characterize IBS. That info is here ...
Yogurt	8/27/2009	Heather Van Vorous
Q: Heather I think I wrote to you a few weeks ago, but I thought I would send you a follow up. Its real ... A: That is the most important thing. It might be the probiotics in the yogurt that did it. Getting ...
Terminal Ileum	8/9/2009	Heather Van Vorous
Q: I have been diagnosed (after MRT) of having an infection of the terminal ileum. Symptoms have been ... A: I can't make any diagnostic predictions for you. I can give you dietary information that is likely ...
help??	7/25/2009	Heather Van Vorous
Q: I'm an 11 year old girl, and im having some colon issues... My mom said that im just constipated. ... A: If you have not had a bowel movement in two weeks, you really do need to see a pediatric ...
fennel	7/22/2009	Heather Van Vorous
Q: Heather, I am a big fan of you and your products. I have been using the tummie fiber for about 6-7 ... A: If you're still having constipation, keep gradually increasing the Tummy Fiber. You may have to work ...
Abdominal pain	7/18/2009	Heather Van Vorous
Q: Upper central abdominal pain, male, 23yo. Diagnosed with mild gastritis after having an endoscopy. ... A: I don't think I'm going to be of much help here. I cannot diagnose you, but the symptoms you ...

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