Irritable Bowel Syndrome Relief

What is Irritable Bowel Syndrome?

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a mixture of abdominal symptoms for which there is no apparent cause.
IBS is a disorder in which the nerves that control the muscles in the GI tract are too active causing it to become sensitive to food, stool, gas, and stress.
Also called spastic colon or mucous colitis or irritable colon.
It is common in people between the ages of 25 – 45 and more common in women than in men.
It is estimated that 10 – 20% of the Western society are diagnosed with this condition.

IBS Overview
IBS is generally diagnosed on the basis of a complete medical history that includes a careful description of symptoms and a physical examination.

It is worth pointing out that IBS has not been found to cause any damage to the gut, and doesn’t develop into Colon Cancer.

Once the triggers and therefore the symptoms are managed successfully, the chances of the condition reoccurring are reduced.

Irritable bowel syndrome symptom relief is available after diagnosis by following a plan that identifies triggers that cause symptoms, and alleviating the symptoms as they arrive. In this way both the causes and the effects of the condition can be managed.

The following have been associated with a worsening of IBS symptoms
· Large meals
· Bloating from gas in the colon
· Medicines
· Wheat, rye, barley, chocolate, milk products, or alcoholic drinks with caffeine, such as coffee, tea, or colas
· Stress, conflict, or emotional upsets

Researchers have found that women with IBS may have more symptoms during their menstrual periods, suggesting that reproductive hormones can worsen IBS problems.

Prevention
· Eat a healthy diet, with plenty of fibre, fruit and vegetables.
· Exclude any foods which always upset you.
· Take regular exercise.
· Avoid unnecessary stress.
· It may help to learn relaxation techniques, in fact this is good general advice for us all.