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New IC Resources For Spring 2010
(1) New Book Released
Title: IC Naturally - A Natural Remedy Approach To The Treatment of IC
Author: Diana Brady MA CNC
Stars: Four out of Five
Summary: We love it when well written books are released that help build our knowledge about interstitial cystitis. This month, we're sharing information on a new book recently brought to our attention that, we believe, is much better than most of the books on the market today that discuss IC and alternative therapies.
If you're into treating IC naturally, this book offers a wealth of information and a wide variety of ideas that you might be interested in pursuing!
As always, we want to remind you that no book should be considered a source of medical advice. We encourage you to read it, research it, and, of course, talk with your personal medical care team about treatments you'd like to explore.
Read Our Complete Book Review!
Page Count: 239
List Price at Amazon: $39.99
ICN Shop Price: $35.99 with 15% off for ICN Angel Subscribers
Orders: The book is in stock and available for order. Click here for more info!
(2) Heathers Tummy Fiber Refill One Pound Bags
We listened to your feedback. Why order a new tin every time you need a refill for this marvelous fiber? Heather's Tummy Care now offers a one pound refillable bag that refills the tin perfectly each time. It's easier to store and ship too!
I was first introduced to Heather Van Vorous, author of First Year IBS and creator of the Heather Tummy's Care line of products, in 2006 after I had a particularly long IBS flare. Desperate for relief, I found her support website (http://www.helpforibs.com) and learned that many of the foods that I was eating to help relieve my bowel spasms were actually triggering unpredictable, disruptive and painful attacks of diarrhea and cramping. Eating a salad for lunch was simply doom for me as I usually ended up in the bathroom within an hour and feeling ill the rest of the day.
Insoluble fibers, such as those found in granola, bran cereal, lettuce and psyllium husk, are too harsh for our sensitive gut and are well known for triggering IBS flares. We need soothing, soluble fibers to keep the bowel moving consistently and without painful spasms and cramps. Heather's Tummy Fiber Supplement Acacia is a natural, pure, organic, soluble dietary acacia fiber ideal for patients struggling with irritable bowel syndrome. Within ten days of starting this fiber, I had improved dramatically and have used it every day since. The miracle for me is that my bowel rarely acts up and I'm virtually symptom free as long as I avoid those foods which irritate my bowel.
Heather gave a wonderful lecture (read transcript here) in our 2006 Online IC Patient Conference that is worth reading again and again. I also suggest that you visit her website, http://www.helpforibs.com, to learn about the nuance of an IBS diet. Yes, there are foods that trigger both IC and IBS flares, such as foods high in caffeine. But with some very simple dietary changes, you may be able to reduce your symptoms dramatically. One tip? Instead of eating salad at the beginning of a meal, try eating it after you've eating something soothing such some rice, potatoes or a piece of bread. - Jill Osborne MA
Clinical studies have shown that soluble fiber, as part of the diet:
- Helps soothe and regulate bowel motility
- Relieves IBS abdominal pain and cramping by stabilizing intestinal contractions
- Alleviates BOTH diarrhea and constipation
- Increases good gut flora - it's considered a prebiotic, and significantly bifidogenic
- Slows down colonic fermentation (decreasing gas and bloating)
- Is completely safe and healthy for daily, lifelong use, even children
- Is a traditional remedy for pregnancy/post-partum nausea & bowel dysfunction
- Has no gluten, sugar, salt, artificial sweeteners, citric acid, oxalates, or yeast
(3) 
IC Friendly Sweet Teas
- Do you miss your jug of sweet tea?
- Does your instant tea mix irritate your bladder?
- Looking for something light and refreshing?
With the arrival of warmer days and nights, it's time to start thinking about what you'd like to drink on those hot, lazy afternooons of summer. If you're in the South, you've probably grown up on Sweet Tea only to discover that it can be very bladder irritating.
Davidson's Teas has a line of organic herbal teas that come in several IC friendly flavors and work beautifully as iced or sweet teas. From Carob Mint, reminiscent of a chocolate mint julep, to Caramel Peach with Coconut to the light, refreshing and honey sweetened French Vanilla tea, we're sure you'll enjoy trying some of these!
CHERRIES JUBILEE is a luscious herbal tea combines the sweet flavor of ripe cherries with toasted almonds. Serve iced, garnished with sweet bing cherries in the summertime! |
CAROB MINT combines the round and delicious flavors of chocolaty carob, barley and Rooibos with heady spearmint, creating a perfect afternoon refresher. |
CARAMEL PEACH WITH COCONUT is a full-bodied, delicious herbal tea, combining the flavors of sun-ripened peaches with buttery caramel. Surprisingly wonderful iced! |
FRENCH VANILLA has a deep true vanilla character with just the right touch of sweetness from added honey and slight caramel finish. |
RASPBERRY CREAM CARAMEL is a round and mellow herbal tea, combining the flavors of creamy caramel and vine-ripened raspberries. Serve over ice, with berries for garnish. |
VANILLA CREAM SPICE captures the delicious flavors of a rich dessert, chocolaty, nutty with spice notes and a rich dark body but without the calories! |
(4) Romance and Intimacy
From the recent book Secret Suffering that guides couples through the minefield of intimacy when one partner has pelvic pain to a new line of interesting products for men and women, the ICN does offer resources to help you regain and enjoy intimacy. Please visit the Romance and Intimacy category of our shop for more info!
