subject: Six potential treatmens for Irritable Bowel Syndrome [print this page] Six potential treatmens for Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Irritable bowel syndrome is also known as spastic colon or IBS. It is a functional bowel disorder. Symptomsinclude: chronic abdominal pain, discomfort, bloating, and alteration of bowel habits with no obvious organic reason. However, this said, there are many potential symptoms of IBS and these can vary markedly between different people experiencing the condition.
How Prevalent is Irritable Bowel Syndrome?
In Western civilizations IBS is estimated at between ten and fourteen percent of the population. However, as few as twenty-five percent of IBS cases are actually diagnosed and seeking medical assistance.
Six Tips for Treating Irritable Bowel Syndrome
There is no cure for IBS. But there are treatments that aim to relieve symptoms. These fit into the following categories: dietary measures, medication and psychological,patient education and doctor-patient rapport.
Many IBS symptoms are caused by or exacerbated by food. The following tips will help food-related symptoms.
Know your food allergies and sensitivities. These definitely affect your digestive system. Have your physician refer you to an allergist and heed what the allergist says.
Keep a food diary. Note how you feel after you eat different foods. You will begin to discern patterns of which foods trigger IBS symptoms.
Read labels. Note ingredients and avoid those which irritate your condition. Foods that trigger IBS attacks often include:
-gassy foods, like broccoli, cauliflower, brussels sprouts, cabbage, legumes
-citrus foods especially: oranges and orange juice
- eggs, pork, beef, shellfish, fish
- nuts
- spicy foods
Avoid alcohol, sweetened and artificially sweetened or artificially colored food and beverages, caffeine and yeast products and spicy foods.
Add natural fiber and/or fiber supplementsinclude: psyllium husks, chicory root, acacia, methylcellulose, calcium polycarbophil, or wheat dextrin. Along with these include plenty of water.
Learnstress-release techniques such as: acupressure and yoga to relieve stress andanxiety. Much of IBS symptoms are believed to be stress related. Learning how to ease symptoms and alleviate stress will help.
While there is no cure for Irritable Bowel Syndrome, these Six Tips for Treating Irritable Bowel Syndrome will prove helpful in controlling and easing symptoms of IBS.
