Modern medical doctors are not sure what causes Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). Opinions abound but the most common ones include being sensitive to certain foods, reactions to stress, immune system differences, or a person’s colon and bowel not working normally in general.
IBS is a condition suffered by one in five Americans, and is thought to be undiagnosed and untreated in as much as 70 percent of sufferers. IBS is a problem for women more often than men, but it is not associated with more severe colon related diseases. There is no inflammation of the colon when someone has IBS, and no other growths or obstructions.
There are different symptoms for each IBS sufferer too. You may find more and more foods disagree with you or you may feel bloated as though you have eaten a very large meal, even when you last ate hours ago or after quite a small meal.
Common symptoms include abdominal cramping, bloating and pain. Some people with IBS will have chronic diarrhea though, while others will have chronic constipation instead. Still others will bounce back and forth between those two states.
Signs and Symptoms
- Have you experienced variable bowel motions – perhaps ranging from constipation to diarrhea within a short space of time?
- Do you pass more wind downwards (known as flatulence) than you would like?
- Do you suffer from pain in your abdomen on occasions or regularly?
These symptoms have been labeled with other names over the years, the most common being a spastic colon. The symptoms often increase when eating certain foods, eating big meals, or experiencing heavy amounts of stress or depression. Since nerve endings connect the colon to every part of the body, almost anything can cause problems similar to IBS. Because of this, a variety of treatments are often tried.
Depending on the person, their doctor, and the severity of their IBS symptoms, strong prescription medications may be used to help relieve the constipation or diarrhea. We don’t agree with this approach however, and feel the more natural means should be tried first. Many doctors however, will suggest these alternative approaches before suggesting medications.
The first approach to managing IBS is changes in your diet. If your IBS is caused due to intolerance or allergies of certain foods for instance, removing those from your diet can create drastic improvements. Often people have a lactose or gluton intolerance without knowing it.
Some people are also more sensitive to foods which contain heavy amounts of grease, or they’re IBS problems flare up more after greasy meals. Another common trigger for IBS symptoms is eating large and heavy meals. Simply by cutting down the amount you eat in one sitting, and eating fewer but smaller meals each day, can help relieve IBS symptoms.
Eating plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables can help with IBS, particularly when constipation is a chronic problem. Many people try taking extra fiber supplements, but these can actually cause the gas and bloating problems to become worse.
Eating fruits and vegetables which regulate the stools can be quite beneficial however. Bananas for instance, will help relieve both diarrhea and constipation.
Other natural treatments recommended for managing IBS are stress management, exercise, and hypnosis.
i had a friend who had this syndrome in it was very embaresing for them they deffinatly would love to spend a day without worrying about it.
if you do have this i do feel for you and hope you find the right treatment soon
I personally think it is caused by a lifestyle of wrong foods, alcohol, nicotine and not sleeping properly.
.-= Steven Richardson´s last blog ..Letting The BNP On Question Time Was Wrong =-.
my mother has IBS and it has really affected her life seriously. Not only is it a great source of pain for her, but I think it tends to be a great sense of embarrassment for most as well. It is reassuring to know that there are solutions and at least ways of reducing it. Thanks for sharing your thoughts on IBS.
Having Suffered from IBS myself I know how bad it can be. I have had to cut out certain foods etc. It is not fun at all! I think that people can sometimes not see it as the serious problem that it is. My GP was fairly helpful but he said that most things will mask the syptoms and not solve the causes. I have had to deal with it my own way.
Change of food choices and lifestyle do help treat IBS. Fresh fruit and vegetables are the way to go to give your much needed fiber and vitamins.
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Stephen, as someone whom does pilates and other forms of exercise, eats whole foods and sleeps well, and has IBS, I’m sorry yet I sorely disagree with you.
As I’m also a non smoker ( never smoked ! )and only have the occassional drink.
If anyone has any ideas what whole foods they have eliminated from their diet that they have found helps aid them with their IBS, I’d be much appreciative!