subject: Some information about Irritable Bowel Syndrome and how to treat it [print this page] Some information about Irritable Bowel Syndrome and how to treat it
What is Irritable bowel syndrome?
Irritable bowel syndrome is also known as spastic colon or IBS. It is a functional bowel disorder. Symptoms include: chronic abdominal pain, discomfort, bloating, and alteration of bowel habits with no obvious organic reason.
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.
How is Irritable Bowel Syndrome Diagnosed?
Usually IBS is a question of elimination. When other bowel ailments such as bowel obstruction, bowel cancer,bowel disease, Celiac disease, or thyroid disorders are ruled out the diagnosis is IBS.
IBS Treatment
There is no cure for IBS. But there are IBS treatments that aim to relieve symptoms. These fit into the following categories: dietary measures, medication and psychological, patient education and doctor-patient rapport.
The following are suggestions for How to Treat Irritable Bowel Syndrome
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:
grains such as: wheat, corn, rye, barley,
dairy including: milk, cheese, ice cream, yogurt
fried foods and high-fat foods
junk foods
artificial sweeteners; artificial coloring
gassy foods, like broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, legumes
caffeine coffee, black tea, chocolate, caffeinated beverages such as pop
sugar
-alcohol
- yeast
-citrus foods especially: oranges and orange juice
- eggs, pork, beef, shellfish, fish
- nuts
- spicy foods
Use fiber supplements include: psyllium husks, chicory root, acacia, methylcellulose, calcium polycarbophil, or wheat dextrin.
Drink lots of water.
Eat soluble fiber foods which include:root vegetables, squash, tropical fruit such as: bananas, mango, papaya and avocado, grains such as: quinoa, buckwheat, oatmeal, white bread and pasta, and rice
Try to avoid stress and learn acupressure to relieve stress andanxiety.
