Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Irritable bowl syndrome (IBS) is the condition characterized by abdominal discomfort. It can cause either constipation or diarrhea resulting in bloating and pain. Irritable bowel syndrome is caused by a normal intestinal tract that for some reason contract irregularly – either too forcefully or too gently to move food along. The result is irritation of the digestive tract leading to malabsorption of foods and nutrients. Women are twice as likely to get irritable bowel syndrome than men, and it generally begins after a person turns 25. Women with IBS often have more symptoms during their menstrual periods.

The causes for irritable bowel syndrome can vary from person to person, but it seems to affect people with unhealthy lifestyle: high stress, food allergies, or too much high-fat junk food. Irritable bowel syndrome symptoms can also mimic other serious health problems. Therefore, anyone experiencing abdominal discomfort on a regular basis should consult with a healthcare professional for an evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment plan.

Irritable bowel syndrome has one or more of the following symptoms:

  • Pain or discomfort in the abdomen, often relieved by or associated with a bowel movement
  • Chronic diarrhea, constipation, or a combination of both
  • Whitish mucus in the stool
  • A bloated abdomen
  • The feeling that you have not finished a bowel movement

Here is what we suggest you to do to improve or control IBS:

  • Have your health-care professional test for food allergy and sensitivity
  • Avoid foods that have small seeds, such as raspberries and tomatoes
  • Avoid dairy products, alcohol, caffeine, tobacco, and sugars that can irritate the digestive tract
  • Learn stress reduction techniques. Seek the help of a professional in stress reduction including biofeedback
  • Take a fiber supplement such as psyllium daily or as directed by a health-care professional
  • It is essential that you drink at the least one half your body weight in ounces of water every day. If you weight 130 pounds, then you should drink 65 ounces or more each day.

Taking supplements such as Omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin B complex and a few others can also help in improving the condition. These are supplements that may help with your irritable bowl syndrome conditions:

  • Omega-3 fatty acids such as fish oil flaxseed oil
  • Fiber
  • Passionflower
  • Vitamin B complex
  • Calcium
  • Magnesium
  • Digestive enzyme
  • Peppermint or ginger tea to aid digestion

January 10 2009 01:14 am | Health

One Response to “Irritable Bowel Syndrome”

  1. Colon Cancer News & Discussion Forum Says:
    February 21st, 2009 at 10:54 am

    Very nice.

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