Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) complicates the life of more than 16% of the population, mostly women. For some it is a mild annoyance, but for others it may sabotage their ability to work, travel and enjoy normal social activities. Rare in young children, the onset age is usually adolescence or early adulthood; however, older adults are not immune.
Unlike Inflammatory Bowel Disease, including Crohn’s Disease or ulcerative colitis, IBS is a disorder marked by a collection of specific symptoms related to the functioning of the large colon. Cramping, abdominal pain and bloating especially immediately after eating are telltale symptoms. For the IBS sufferer these conditions usually disappear following a bowel movement. Abnormal bowel movements that may alternate between diarrhea and constipation or primarily one or the other are also key indicators.
Other indicators include loss of appetite, symptoms that come and go or gradually increase, whitish mucous in the stool, the feeling that you have not completed a bowel movement and a worsening of symptoms during menstrual periods. While there are no specific tests for IBS, your doctor may want to do a complete medical examination and blood tests to rule out other possible sources. A GI series and/or colonoscopy may also be scheduled for the same reason.
The causes of Irritable Bowel Syndrome may be multifactorial. It would appear that the muscles in the large intestine, known as the colon, are extra sensitive to stretching, moving or nerve stimulation from the brain. Stress also appears to be a trigger of an eruption of symptoms. The nerve endings in the colon may over-react to brain warning signals, causing painful contractions and cramping.
Treatment for IBS includes three components: lifestyle and diet changes, natural health products and stress relief:
• Lifestyle adjustments may include adding regular exercise to your daily schedule and improving your sleep habits to reduce anxiety levels. Eliminate caffeine, alcohol, carbonated drinks, dairy products, chocolate, artificial sweeteners and grains such as wheat, barley and rye. A natural diet of whole foods, fibre-rich fruits and vegetables is recommended. Learning to eat slowly in a relaxed atmosphere is beneficial.
• Natural remedies:
- Probiotics: 1-10 billion CFU per day.
- Fibre: 3-5 grams daily at bedtime.
- Peppermint Oil: take capsules as directed between meals daily.
• Stress Relief through counseling may provide useful tools for reducing anxiety and depression. Meditation and hypnosis as well as life coaching can also alleviate some of the stress that may trigger or worsen an attack of IBS.
Proper treatment can limit the symptoms of IBS and improve your overall quality of life. As with any medical concern talk to your healthcare practitioner before you try to address this condition yourself.
My younger daughter has IBS or something going on. She’s had every test (so it appears) under the sun and they are still uncertain as to cause of her discomfort. I Liked you on FB so she’s certain to see it and read it. I feel so badly for her. This has been going on since her senior year of high school and she’s now 31 and in the best shape of her life. She watches every thing she eats to no avail.
I have no idea what they’ll try next.