subject: Ibs Symptoms: Irritable Bowel Symptoms [print this page] Irritable bowel syndrome, or IBS, is a very common medical disorder plaguing many people " both men and women alike. The sometimes excruciating symptoms of gas, bloating, abdominal cramping, constipation, and diarrhea " or sometimes alternating periods of both, often make the IBS victim unwilling to seek the advice of a health care professional for IBS relief. Often times, doctors will dismiss IBS symptoms as being nervous stomachs or misdiagnosis them as a stomach bug, prompting unneeded antibiotic treatment. Other doctors still believe IBS is in the head, a manifestation of psychological illness. But no matter is causing your IBS pain and discomfort, IBS sufferers need real IBS relief.
Regular Exercise
We now know that stress is a factor that causes IBS, stress management can be controlled by exercising daily and by using relaxation techniques. Physical exercise works the bowel muscles and this is very beneficial for constipation. Some examples of exercises includes simple stretches, walking, stretching and yoga are all very helpful in relieving IBS.
According to many doctors the disease is known as a functional disorder. Despite the alarming stressful symptoms associated with IBS, when the colon is examined the intestines appear to be healthy. Therefore, physicians categorized this condition as functional because there is no injury or disturbance to the bowel that can be observed.
Diets in whole grains, high in fiber, fruit, and low in fats provide some IBS sufferers ample IBS relief without the use of supplements or prescription medication. Foods that contain caffeine, like coffee and chocolate, should be avoided by IBS sufferers because they can over stimulate the lining of their colons and produce excess bloating, gas, and cramps. Those prone to diarrhea may find an increase in this symptom after caffeine consumption. Caffeine is a stimulate and not good for promoting IBS relief. Also sufferers with allergies to any food " in particular wheat, egg, and dairy, should limit or avoid foods containing these ingredients. These foods hinder IBS relief by aggravating the lining of the colon just as caffeine does. Alcohol should be avoided, as well.
Probiotics
The friendly bacteria Lactobacillus Acidophilus, L Rahmnosus and Bifidobacterium Longum has been proven to be very helpful for IBS. This combination worked wonders for many people and it is highly recommended that probiotics should be taken daily to maintain intestinal health.
IBS is not generally considered to be a life threatening disease and is one that can be treated quite successfully when properly diagnosed. It has been shown when treatments are specifically tailored to the specific form of IBS the IBS symptoms can normally be resolved. A specific diagnosis of the disease, therefore, is the most important factor in helping a patient cope with IBS and its symptoms.
