IBS or Irritable Bowel Syndrome is a condition effecting up to
20% of the population and the numbers are rising. There are more women sufferers
than men and the age that it commonly starts is at around twenty. It is classed
as a ‘functional’ disorder as it alters the way the body works and therefore is
not diagnosable using traditional means such as examination or blood
test.
It is not a commonly understood condition, with the medical
community unable to clarify the exact cause. IBS appears to occur due to the
body’s inability to regulate the bowel functions correctly. This leads to a
number of unpleasant symptoms such as abdominal pain, cramping, excessive wind
and irregular bowel movements including constipation and/or diarrhoea.
However,
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replica, there are treatments available to allow sufferers to manage their
symptoms.
If you start to notice
irregular bowel movements or suffer prolonged abdominal discomfort you could be
suffering from Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Keeping a diary to monitor food intake,
exercise and stress levels is a good idea to track anything that may exacerbate
your symptoms. When diagnosing IBS your medical practitioner will ask you for a
general history of your bowel movements so keeping records will come in
handy.
Certain foods are also recognized as triggers for IBS,
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caffeine and dairy products. Keeping a food diary will help you identify if
eating these foods cause your symptoms to flare up and you can eliminate them in
line with advice from your doctor.
Some foods can conversely be helpful
in easing the symptoms of IBS, namely foods high in fiber. For example, bran,
cereals,
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fruit and vegetables. Try introducing these foods into your diet, in small
quantities first to allow your digestive system time to adjust. They will be
particularly helpful if you suffer from constipation as they make stools soft
and bulky and easier to pass.
Eating little and often has also been
proven to relieve symptoms in some IBS sufferers. Try spreading your food intake
over 5 meals a day. Eating too much in one sitting can bring on cramping and
diarrhea for people at risk from IBS.
Although not the cause of irritable
bowel syndrome, stress can be a contributing factor to its symptoms. Try to
introduce some relaxation techniques into your day such as meditation, yoga,
exercise or any activity that you enjoy.
There are medications available
that play a role in relieving the symptoms. Fiber supplements or laxatives are
sometimes prescribed for constipation, there are also drugs available to reduce
diarrhea and control colon muscle spasms. Antidepressants may also be
prescribed. Your doctor will talk through the most appropriate approach for you
to take, determined by the symptoms that you suffer from.