Irritable bowel syndrome(IBS)

What is Irritable bowel syndrome(IBS)? IBS is irritable bowel syndrome. IBS symptoms typically include abdominal pain which is relieved by a bowel movement. There may be excessive gas and bloating. Changes in frequency and appearance of stools are also IBS symptoms. IBS symptoms may include constipation and/or diarrhea. For the many Americans who suffer from IBS, Irritable bowel syndrome isn’t just a problem. It’s a way of life.

IBS refers to a condition that is characterized by the large intestine not operating in the way that it should. Not really a disease, IBS is a disorder. The interesting thing to note is that patients who suffer from IBS exhibit no abnormalities in their intestine nor have they sustained intestinal damage. That is the real mystery of the disorder.

For this reason, no clear-cut cause for IBS has ever been established. There are some observations and theories on the subject. One thing that experts do note is the fact that IBS appears to include both sensitivity and muscle spasms in the large intestine. Because of this, gas and stool move quickly through the small and large intestines. Patients suffering from IBS may notice that this condition escalates when they are suffering from great amounts of stress. When life is going smoothly, and patients are at ease, the symptoms often fade tremendously.

Usually, people experience the first symptoms of this disorder between the ages 15 and 40, although it can develop at any age. Although there are some people who makes the connection between the brain and the bowel, IBS is in fact a physical disorder, and not psychological, affecting the large bowel, a part of the digestive system that is mainly responsible for the making and storing of stool, which is actually the stomach waste.

Although the exact causes of IBS are still not determined, it is said to be caused by muscle contractions in the bowel, which is more intense with people who have IBS. There are certain factors that help trigger the symptoms of the condition, such as stress and intolerance to certain types of foods, making it more troublesome after experiencing such triggers. Although there is no cure for IBS yet, there are ways wherein people can help treat the condition, one of which is by simply avoiding the particular foods that may trigger the symptoms.

IBS Symptoms

The most common symptoms of IBS are abdominal pains, general feelings of discomfort, cramps and a change in the bowel pattern. The patient could also suffer from either diarrhea or constipation, or in certain cases, from both these ailments alternatively. Mucus in the stool is another sign that a person is afflicted with IBS. A feeling that you have not quite finished your bowel movement, a swollen or bloated abdomen (due to accumulation of gas in the intestines), rumbling noises and the constant need to pass gas are signals that should not be ignored. A person with IBS can also experience lethargy, fits of depression and disturbed sleep.

Foods to avoid

If you are experiencing gas, then you should best avoid gassy foods such as beans, broccoli, onions, brussels, cauliflower, garlic, asparagus, sprouts, and cabbage, since these types of foods may influence or worsen your symptom. If you eat them while you have the symptom, this may cause you more painful gas.

If you have intolerance to certain types of foods, such as dairy product, then it is best that you avoid them in order to eliminate the chances of worsening your symptoms and condition. People who usually avoid this type of foods are those who are lactose intolerant, and they should avoid such type of foods since this type of foods can cause pain and flatulence.

Caffeine, as well as alcohol, could trigger a person’s IBS symptoms since both stimulates the GI system, which will lead to strong contractions, thereby increasing the bowel movements. Caffeine and alcohol should be avoided, especially by those people who are experiencing diarrhea since drinking them could help worsen the dehydration that they may feel while undergoing the symptom.

Carbonated drinks such as sparkling water, sodas, wine and beer can be a factor in forming undigested gas bubbles that can cause some abdominal pain and discomfort.

Fats, including artificial fats, should be avoided since they can cause the increase in peristaltic activity, leading to more frequent bowel movements resulting to indigestion, diarrhea and flatulence.

Fried foods should also be avoided since anything fried is never good for your bowel.

By avoiding these foods, as well as by eating in small quantities, you can help treat your IBS without worsening it.

Irritable bowel syndrome and food allergies

Irritable bowel syndrome pathogenesis may be related to food allergies. If you have IBS and you have not been tested for food allergies, it may be worth your while to see an allergy specialist. Food sensitivities may be a cause of irritable bowel syndrome and learning what foods you are sensitive to can be accomplished by keeping a food and symptoms diary.