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[whitespace] Now What, Sore Butt?

The truth is out there, for those who need to know

SYMPTOMS? First, get that rear down to a doctor, who can rule out biological origins for the misery. Given that it turns out to be IBS, there are a few things that may help--even cure it. Unfortunately, none of them are easy.

Eat (and Drink) Healthier--Dr. Robert Charm and other experts argue that a diet low in toxins and high in fiber and whole food is going to give that stubborn sphincter a break. Don't forget to drink lots of water, too.

Exercise--Go ahead; a half-hour walk a day won't hurt. In fact, quite the opposite.

Slow Down--Stop driving like a madman, multitasking like a madwoman and eating like a ferret on speed. Consider relaxation exercises. Consider smelling the roses.

Educate Yourself--No. 3 of Dr. Charm's Five E's for Health: look at some books that might help. If one is already stressed, one might want to avoid information overload on the subject, but a helpful book is Irritable Bowel Syndrome & the Mind-Body, Brain-Gut Connection by William Salt II, M.D. (www.parkviewpub.com)

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From the August 24-30. 2000 issue of Metro, Silicon Valley's Weekly Newspaper.

Copyright © 2000 Metro Publishing Inc. Metroactive is affiliated with the Boulevards Network.

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