Irritable bowel syndrome, or IBS, is a disorder that affects mainly the large intestine. It is also called the irritable colon, spastic colon, spastic colitis, spastic bowel, mucous colitis, and nervous or functional bowel.
The large intestine is the organ in the digestive system where stool is produced and stored. The bowels may squeeze either too hard or too lightly when a person has irritable bowel syndrome.
The nerves and muscles may also become extra-sensitive. This causes digested food to move either too slowly or too quickly through the intestines, which in turn causes several uncomfortable symptoms to appear.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome Symptoms
The irritable bowel syndrome symptoms include the following:
- abdominal cramps
- diarrhea
- constipation
- swollen or bloated abdomen
- excess gas
You might want to consult your doctor if you experience these irritable bowel syndrome symptoms over an extended period of time.
Irritable bowel syndrome is a pretty common problem; some studies show that up to twenty percent of Americans suffer from it at one point or another. So Keep in mind that you are not alone if you are suffering from Irritable bowel syndrome.
Causes Of Irritable Bowel Syndrome
The causes of Irritable bowel syndrome are not very clear. Because all we know about it is that it causes the bowels to function improperly, it is defined as a functional disorder. Beyond that, the causes of irritable bowel syndrome are still a bit obscure.
However, some things are clear. One is that stress exacerbates the condition. While stress does not cause the condition itself, it can make it worse. It causes more symptoms to appear and generally makes the sufferer more uncomfortable.
Highly stressful events, such as getting fired from a job, losing a spouse, or any other comparable event that raises stress levels can lead to an onset of irritable bowel syndrome symptoms.
A person’s diet is another factor that may play a natal role in IBS symptoms. As in an allergic reaction, some food items may cause symptoms to appear. It is commonly accepted that fatty foods, dairy products, caffeine, carbonated drinks, and alcohol can increase the chances for an irritable bowel syndrome attack.
Some people also report reactions to wheat products, citrus fruits, and tea. However, some foods may also reduce irritable bowel syndrome symptoms. Foods that are high in fiber content are particularly helpful; they keep constipation at a minimum.
Vegetables like broccoli, carrots, cabbage, and peas are good too. Fruits like apples and peaches are good choices here. Opt for the whole-grain versions, if you eat bread or cereal.
If you do not like fruits and vegetables (though you really should), you can try going for a high-fiber pill or a fiber food supplement.
Try to watch what you eat, and track which foods cause you to have IBS symptoms. It might be helpful to keep a shortlist of the foods you eat daily – it will help you identify which foods you eat seem to lead to the problem.
Once you have found these foods, avoid them. It is really a small sacrifice to make for a better and more fulfilling life.
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