Irritable bowel syndrome, know as IBS, is a common disorder that many people find embarrassing to talk about. The most common symptoms are abdominal cramping, bloating, gas, diarrhea. constipation and mucus in the stool . It is understandable that people don’t want to bring up these topics as polite conversation.
The symptoms of irritable bowel disease are usually mild. In some cases the symptoms can be more severe. Symptoms of IBS should be discussed with your doctors, because sometimes the symptoms are indicators of other diseases.
According to the Mayo Clinic website, are many as one in five people has IBS. Most people with IBS learn how to control their symptoms. Unlike more serious disorders, such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease, IBS does not cause inflammation or increase risk of colorectal cancer. In many cases, IBS can be controlled by diet and lifestyle changes.
IBS is a chronic condition. The triggers of IBS can vary, but may include certain foods, medications and emotions.
It is not clear what causes irritable bowel syndrome. In most cases the symptoms can be controlled by learning to manage stress and my making changes in diet and lifestyle. More severe symptoms may require recommendations from your doctor. The doctor may recommend: fiber supplements, anti-diarrheal medications, anticholinergic medications, antidepressant medications and counseling for stress.
Anxiety and worry can cause digestive problems. Mental health care providers can provide therapy and treatment for stress. See a psychiatrist or psychologist for counseling and behavior modification. Treatments that may help with stress include; counseling, biofeedback, progressive relaxation exercises, deep breathing exercises and hypnosis.
A regular exercise program is effective at reducing stress. Join a yoga class to learn proper form.
In most cases, irritable bowel syndrome can be relieved with self care. Following are changes that you can implement. The changes should be considered a long tern solution. Your body may not respond immediately. Improvement will probably be gradual, so give the changes time to work.
1. Increase Fiber. If you decide to add fiber to the diet, it should be a gradual change. Adding fiber to the diet quickly and suddenly can cause gas and bloating. Drink plenty of water, especially if using a fiber supplement such as Metamucil or Citrucil. High fiber foods include whole grains, fruits, vegetables and beans.
2. Avoid problem foods. There are some foods that will make IBS symptoms worse. Foods to avoid include alcohol, chocolate, coffee, soda with caffeine, dairy products, artificial sweeteners and food that cause gas. Gas producing foods include beans, cabbage, cauliflower and broccoli. Fatty foods may aggravate the problem. Chewing gum or drinking through a straw can lead to air swallowing, which also causes gas.
3. Regular schedule of eating. Try to eat meals at regular hours to help regulate bowel function. Don’t’ skip meals. Some people find that eating small frequent meals is helpful.
4. Reduce Dairy products. People that are lactose intolerant may find that diary products aggravate the problem. Enzyme products, such as Lactaide, can help to break down the lactose in dairy products.
5. Drink plenty of liquids. Drink plenty of fluids, especially water.
6. Exercise. Regular exercise helps to relieve stress and depression and stimulates digestion. Yoga is a great conditiong exercise that is also relaxing and soothing.
7. Support Group. talking to other people with IBS can offer reassurance and help to alleviate stress.
8. Identify triggers. Learning what triggers symptoms and avoiding the triggers is a key step in managing the condition.
9. Education. Learn as much as you can by talking to your doctor, reading books, or researching IBS the Internet. Being informed can help you to take charge of the condition.
10. Alternative Medicine. Some people use acupuncture to relax muscle spasms. Peppermint is an effective antispasmodic. Peppermint should be taken in enteric coated capsules, Probiotics are “good bacteria” found in foods, such as yogurt. Adding good bacteria to the diet may help to ease symptoms.
Information in this article is not intended as medical advice.
