Irritable bowel syndrome, or IBS, is a disorder that affects mainly the large intestine. It has alternatively been called irritable colon, spastic bowel, spastic colon, spastic colitis, mucous colitis and nervous or functional bowel.
The large intestine is the organ in the digestive system where stool is produced and stored. When a person has IBS, the bowels may squeeze either too hard or too lightly. The nerves and muscles may also become extra-sensitive. Either this causes digested food to move too slowly or too quickly through the intestines, which in turn causes several uncomfortable symptoms to appear.
These symptoms include the following:
- abdominal cramps
- diarrhea
- constipation
- swollen or bloated abdomen
- excess gas
If you experience these symptoms over an extended period, you might want to consult your doctor. Irritable bowel syndrome is a common problem; some studies show that up to twenty percent of Americans suffer from it at one point of another. So if you are suffering from IBS, keep in mind that you are not alone.
What causes IBS?
The causes of IBS are not very clear. It is defined as a functional disorder because all we know about it is that it causes the bowels to function improperly. Beyond that, the causes of the disorder are still a bit obscure.
Some things are clear, however. 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 being fired from a job, losing a spouse, or any other comparable event that raises stress levels can lead to an onset of IBS symptoms.
Another factor that may play a major role in IBS symptoms is a person’s diet. 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 IBS attack. Some people also report reactions to wheat products, citrus fruits, and tea.
However, some foods may also alleviate IBS symptoms. Foods that are high in fiber content are particularly helpful; they keep constipation at a minimum. Fruits like apples and peaches are good choices here. Vegetables like broccoli, carrots, cabbage, and peas are good too. If you eat bread or cereal, opt for the whole-grain versions.
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 identified these foods, avoid them. It is really a small sacrifice to make for a better and more fulfilling life.