Digestive disorders are among the most common and widespread of all ailments to afflict us and there are none among us who have not experienced the occasional problems of heartburn and acidity or constipation and diarrhea. There are some more persistent problems that can be a lot more troublesome and irritable bowel syndrome is just one such condition. Irritable bowel syndrome is a chronic disorder that affects the gastrointestinal tract. Irritable bowel syndrome affects the colon or the large intestine causing symptoms that include severe cramping and abdominal pain, as well as bloating, gas, constipation and diarrhea. Although irritable bowel syndrome symptoms may be a source of great discomfort and can at times be extremely embarrassing the condition does not cause any permanent damage to the colon. The condition does not pose any serious health risk that is lasting, but it can affect the quality of your life as it requires some amount of change and compromise with regard to your daily diet and lifestyle. The typical treatment for symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome like diarrhea or irritable bowel syndrome constipation, irritable bowel syndrome flatulence, irritable bowel syndrome bloating and irritable bowel syndrome abdominal pain can be best managed through a carefully modified or personalized irritable bowel diet treatment plan.

Irritable bowel disorder is a very common condition that in fact affects as much as 15% of the population in the United States. The condition can affect absolutely anyone, with both men and women suffering the condition, but it does tend to be more prevalent in women. The exact causes of irritable bowel syndrome are not really understood and there are no specific tests to aid the diagnosis of irritable bowel syndrome. Testing for diagnosis generally involves stool sampling and blood tests or x-rays to detect other conditions, and the condition is identified by ruling out other possibilities. Since irritable bowel syndrome is a chronic condition it is a permanent disorder for which there is no known cure. Fortunately irritable bowel syndrome treatment through natural methods like diet, stress management and lifestyle changes can be quite effective in providing relief from the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. Treatment therefore aims to manage and control the condition. The main area of treatment for irritable bowel syndrome focuses on dietary changes with specific lists of irritable bowel syndrome foods to avoid. It is generally believed that there are no specific foods that cause irritable bowel syndrome to develop, but it is quite certain that there are some specific foods that may aggravate the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. Avoiding these specific foods can help to minimize the severity of symptoms and prevent severe bouts of the condition, but will not help to completely eliminate all symptoms.



The outlook or prognosis for irritable bowel syndrome varies greatly among individuals too. Some may experience no symptoms at all for months on end and they may suddenly flare up without any warning and with no apparent cause.



Despite the lack of understanding about the causes and any cure for irritable bowel syndrome most individuals suffering from irritable bowel syndrome find that they can quite easily cope with and control the condition. The signs and symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome are severe only in a small percentage of those affected. The symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome typically appear when a person reaches early adulthood, somewhere around twenty to thirty years of age. Although the causes of irritable bowel syndrome may be unknown most health care experts speculate that it could be triggered by stress related disorders or a problem with the functioning of the immune system. The condition could also stem from the manner in which the muscles involved in the movement of food through the stomach and bowels function.



Irritable bowel syndrome or IBS is a functional disorder of the intestine. It can occur at any age but occurs mainly at adulthood or middle age. Mainly women suffer from IBS. Fortunately irritable bowel syndrome is not very serious like ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease that can also cause inflammation and changes in the bowel tissue often increasing the risk of the development of colon cancer. Irritable bowel syndrome poses no such risks and with some effort to manage dietary and lifestyle changes you can cope with the condition.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Symptoms

Symptoms of IBS may vary from person to person. The primary symptoms of IBS are bloating, abdominal pain, and discomfort. Some other symptoms of IBS are mucus in stool, constipation, changes in bowel habit, cramping in lower abdomen and diarrhea. For some people symptoms of IBS may come and go but for some it may be constant. The symptoms may worsen in women during their periods.



The symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome are very similar to those caused by a number of other digestive ailments, which is why the condition will very often go unrecognized for quite a while. The most common symptoms are the feelings of fullness and a bloated sensation along with abdominal pain and cramping. Flatulence is another common symptom that can be a source of great embarrassment, particularly if the symptoms suddenly flare up when you are out at some social gathering. Diarrhea and constipation are just as troublesome and are also equally common. For many people these symptoms remain mild and will not cause much of a problem, but severe flare ups can be quite disabling. There is no way of knowing for certain whether you suffer from irritable bowel syndrome or some other digestive disorder, which is why it is important that you visit your doctor for an accurate diagnosis.


 

Causes for Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) are Yet not Known

Causes of IBS are yet not known. It has been found that colons of people suffering from IBS are more sensitive than normal people. The muscles may contract soon after meal and thus cause cramping or diarrhea. The nerves may be sensitive to bowel movements.



The intestinal walls are lined with muscles that are crucial to the digestive process as the rhythmic relaxation and contractions of these muscles helps to move food from the stomach through the intestinal tract and also out through the rectum. Any abnormality or dysfunction in these muscles causing a disruption to this rhythm could cause the condition. If the contractions of these muscles are stronger or more prolonged than normal, then food may be forced through the intestines a lot more rapidly, inhibiting and compromising digestion, causing a buildup of gas and symptoms of diarrhea and bloating. In case the opposite happens, then there is a slowing down of the passage of food, as a consequence of which stools harden and dry causing severe constipation, and again gas, abdominal discomfort and so on. Abnormalities of the nervous system could also cause heightened sensitivity with the individual experiencing abnormally high levels of discomfort from the normal stretching of the abdomen from gas.



Symptoms in most cases are mild but may be aggravated by stress, hormonal changes, and certain other medications.

Herbs like Chamomile, Valerian are Effective Due to their Antispasmodic Properties

Take peppermint oil in enteric-coated capsules. Herbs like chamomile, valerian, rosemary and lemon balm are effective due to their antispasmodic properties. Drink ginger tea or eat ginger raw to reduce inflammation. Eat indian gooseberry to control indigestion and hyperacidity.

Eat Fiber Rich Food

Eat fresh vegetables and fruits. Eat a fiber rich food. Fiber improves working of intestine and stabilizes the symptoms. Avoid caffeine and fat. They may cause cramps in intestine. Drink at least eight glasses of water every day. Avoid carbonated beverages. Gas produced due to their consumption will worsen the symptoms. Eat small meals frequently instead of a large meal. Eat foods which contain good amount carbohydrates e.g. rice, pasta and so on.

Other Suggestions for Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

Exercise regularly. Do not take tension. De-stress your life. Do not take laxatives too often.