Irritable bowel syndrome is a common problem with the intestines. Functional disorder means there is a problem with the function of a part of the body, but there is no abnormality in the structure. This disorder most commonly affects people between the ages of 20 and 30 and is twice as common in women as in men. The syndrome can be divided into four types depending on which is the main symptom - abdominal pain, diarrhoea, constipation or diarrhoea alternating with constipation. Up to 1 in 5 people in the UK develop IBS at some stage in their life. IBS can affect anyone at any age, but it commonly first develops in young adults and teenagers.

Women are affected more often than men. IBS is very common and is present in perhaps 60% of patients that see a specialist in gastroenterology. There are a number of dietary changes a person with IBS can make to prevent the over response of the gastrocolic reflex. A bowl of high fibre cereal such as untoasted muesli, weetbix or porridge with fresh or tinned fruit and reduced fat milk or a calcium fortified soy milk and/ or wholemeal or grain toast with minimal margarine and honey or vegemite. A low fat diet will also help to decrease contractions of the intestines right after meals.

Peppermint oil is widely used for irritable bowel syndrome. It is thought to decrease the abdominal pain and bloating of irritable bowel syndrome, possibly by blocking the movement of calcium into muscle cells in the intestines. Partially hydrolyzed guar gum (PHGG) is a water soluble, non-gelling fiber that may help to reduce constipation and to a lesser extent diarrhea and abdominal pain in people with irritable bowel syndrome. Caffeinated drinks such as coffee, and carbonated soft drinks can aggravate symptoms and should be limited, especially in the initial stages of dietary modification.

Yogurt to your diet may help ease symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. Keep a daily diary of what you eat and whether you experience symptoms after eating. Eat slowly and have meals in a quiet, relaxing environment. One should drink a spoonful of olive oil formerly in the dawn and another at night. Other laxatives such Epsom salts can too be advantageous. One can too go psyllium stalk milkshake but should come it upward with probiotics. One should too consume lecithin as a supplementation. Other unconventional diet charts can too be advantageous. One can drink a really hot cup of water, which in twist induces the intestine campaign in the dawn.



Thanks to Juliet Cohen for contributing this article to our IBS blog:

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Can you answer louie517’s question about IBS?:

I am struggling with IBS. It seems like all I can eat and tolerate are carbs which do nothing for the weight except to make it go up. Any suggestions??

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Can you answer christineannmiller1977’s question about IBS?:

I have crohns and I’m having new syptoms.when i have a bowel movement i throw up so im going to a new doctor and he put me on antbotics and steriods. I also forgot to mention that I have very bad pain when I have a bowelmovement.I was diagnosed in 2002.

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Irritable Bowel Syndrome, or IBS, is also known as irritable or spastic colon, and there is no real understanding of why it exists, although it seems to occur when the muscles that line the walls of the intestines and the colon, go into spasm. The muscles contract for no apparent reason, causing pain and diarrhea alternating with constipation. Other symptoms include a cramping pain in the abdomen, swelling, general malaise and lethargy, back pain, and often, excessive wind. Symptoms can subside and even disappear for long periods of time, but many sufferers continue to experience symptoms recurrently throughout their lives. It is a chronic, irritating, and uncomfortable condition, but it is not life-threatening and the symptoms can be reduced in many cases by proper treatment.

It is estimated that about 30 percent of people in the West has suffered from IBS at some stage, and 13 percent of those do so regularly.

IBS appears to be brought on and exacerbated by anxiety, stress, and nervous problems. Symptoms often appear worse during menstruation. Other causal factors include food intolerance.

Orthodox medical treatment has been largely unsuccessful in the treatment of IBS. Antispasmodic drugs are often recommended but in many cases they are ineffective. The best way of controlling the condition is by reducing and learning to cope with stress, and by eating a diet that does not exacerbate the condition.

Treatment

Diet and Nutrition Research shows that eating more fiber, in the form of oats, dried beans, peas, fresh fruit and vegetables, can greatly reduce the symptoms of IBS, but improvement may take months rather than weeks. Also, bear in mind that wheat bran, often prescribed as the standard treatment for IBS, can actually make the condition worse for some sufferers. Eat plenty of natural, unsweetened live yogurt or take daily supplements of Lactobacillus acidophilus to boost the levels of healthy bacteria in the digestive system.

Different food combinations can cause IBS symptoms in different individuals: keep a detailed record of everything you eat and drink, and of all bowel movements and their consistency.

Consult a qualified practitioner/therapist for:

Counseling and Hypnotherapy Both have been shown to be very effective in reducing the symptoms. Hypnotherapy has a particularly good record.

Massage, Relaxation Techniques (Including Yoga, Meditation, and Biofeedback) All these therapies are beneficial. Herbal Medicine A soothing tea of camomile, peppermint, and fennel is recommended. Herbalists may prescribe cramp bark, golden seal, wild yam, and licorice.

Aromatherapy

Essential oils of peppermint or sassafras help relaxation and reduce painful spasms.

Acupuncture This can be beneficial in helping to relieve IBS.



Thanks to Alien for contributing this article to our IBS blog:

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Can you answer mom_of_4’s question about IBS?:

My brother was just diagnosed with Crohns on Thursday, but can not get into the doctor or nutritionist for a week and a half. What are the diet guidelines that he should be following until he can get into the doctor so he wont be aggravating it?
Also… my brother is only 32, is that young for a diagnosis like this?

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