IBS And Why You Get It   by Sandy Rutherforde

in Health / Diseases and Conditions    (submitted 2011-09-21)

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is actually a problem that has an effect on millions of individuals all over the world and for many reasons, including embarrassment; many of those affected suffer in silence rather than searching for a solution - or indeed identifying their affliction at all.

What is IBS? What exactly is irritable bowel syndrome?

Not surprisingly, these two questions are one and the same however at times it's easy to overlook that acronyms are a lot more obvious to some people than they can be to others. In fact, a doctor friend previously had a patient who asked "what is IBS" only to receive an answer then ask "what is irritable bowel syndrome" in the next breath!

Regardless as to if we use its complete name or indeed the shorter acronym, irritable bowel syndrome is a disorder which has an effect on the gut (in other words, our digestive system which includes the bowels) and generally leads to several symptoms.

These kinds of symptoms may include a variety of the following:

- Abdominal pain: Whereas for many people, IBS will cause general discomfort, for a few individuals, it may be highly painful.

- Unpredictable bowel movements: IBS can lead to trips to the toilet becoming very urgent and more and more rare.

- Abnormal stools: When afflicted with irritable bowel syndrome, stools can fluctuate between small "pebbles" and loose diarrhoea.

Other indications of IBS might consist of excessive and painful wind, basic malaise, muscular pain, nausea and heartburn among other connected signs and symptoms.

The best way to manage IBS

For most cases, irritable bowel syndrome does not necessitate prescription medication or even laxatives, but instead a modification of lifestyle or diet will effectively control its symptoms. In fact, a change in basic disposition might help an individual manage the symptoms since stress is frequently thought to be a contributory factor to the condition. Obviously, that is easier said than done and a vicious circle can frequently form which exacerbates IBS.

Nonetheless, there are a variety of immediate actions that an individual can take to help remedy their IBS and these involve (depending on symptoms):

- Vary your fiber consumption (increases and decreases in fiber may have varied effects on IBS)

- Eat standard instead of erratic meals

- Drink significant amounts of water

- Limit caffeinated and alcohol based beverages

- In the event that stools are loose, limit fruit servings to three a day

- Try probiotic yogurts and yogurt drinks to boost good bacteria in the gut

- Maximize exercise and make time for relaxation

Triggers of IBS can differ greatly from one person to the next, so it's frequently difficult to determine the exact causes for everyone. To this end, people who suffer from IBS can help themselves by keeping a diary detailing their food, physical exercise and symptoms. This kind of diary will subsequently help to identify which food types and lifestyle choices aggravate or alleviate IBS.

Needless to say, it goes without saying that as with any problem of this type; should symptoms continue or get worse, medical assistance must be sought after as soon as possible.

About the Author

Do you suffer from IBS? Be sure to visit my site to find out more about what is IBS.