Being a chronic gastrointestinal disorder, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is closely connected with the food we eat, and the way we eat it. This is why diet plays a very important role in alleviating or aggravating IBS. For the gut to properly function in digesting and moving waste material, a diet, modified according to the needs of the sufferer must be followed. Several food categories and methods of eating are more beneficial and are included in any recommended diet for irritable bowel syndrome sufferers.

Although symptoms are generally similar for most irritable bowel syndrome sufferers, there is no general pattern to be strictly followed in creating the optimum diet to relieve symptoms. Each diet is individualized, according the predominant symptoms they are suffering from, any specific allergies or intolerance they may have, their lifestyle as well as the patient’s personal preferences.

A dietary regime will usually begin with a general diet that has been shown to relieve symptoms in the majority of people, but changes may be made throughout the course of treatment, to adjust to the symptoms presented, as well as individual preferences.

Continue reading to discover what foods in an IBS diet can help relieve symptoms, and sign up for our free newsletter.

There are proven effects that some foods have on the gastrointestinal tract, which is why the content of the diet, as well as the manner of eating must be carefully observed to attain results. Generally, foods that make symptoms worse, by increasing abdominal pain and worsening bowel habits, are processed products, gas-forming fruits and vegetables, alcohol, lactose and caffeine. Also those foods high in fat and insoluble fiber are usually excluded initially from the diet.

The different categories of food can be detrimental to the passage of waste material in the intestinal tract and the colon. Adverse effects can cause pain in the area, as pressure of the contractions excites the nerve endings and also cause the swelling of the colon or abdominal distension, due to air accumulation.

These restricted foods are those that have been categorized as being gastrointestinal stimulants or irritants, which hamper the gastrocolic reflex. When there is a dysfunction of the gastrocolic reflex, digestion, absorption and evacuation can be difficult.

Soluble fiber can greatly aid in bowel movement, by relieving and relaxing the muscles in the intestines responsible for moving digested particles. In the case of irritable bowel syndrome, there is either hypercontractility (excessive contracting), which hastens the movement of the bowel, or hypocontractility (not enough contracting), which delays the movement of the bowel. The former can cause diarrhea, while the latter can cause constipation. It is not uncommon for both conditions to occur alternately in irritable bowel syndrome.

Soluble fiber can significantly help ease the contractions, which can reduce pain and discomfort in the area and stop both diarrhea and constipation episodes.

Choosing the right diet for irritable bowel syndrome relief is important. The identification of trigger foods and the introduction of foods that help ease symptoms, while restricting those that cause the symptoms to worsen is a slow but essential part of overcoming IBS.

By: Susan Reynolds

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irritable bowel syndrome

There are an increasing number of people in industrialized nations, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, United Kingdom and the United States that are being diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome. It is estimated that between 10 – 20% of the populations of these countries has the condition. The most common irritable bowel syndrome symptom is abdominal pain, and this is usually accompanied by bloating and abnormal bowel movements.

Irritable bowel syndrome is a chronic digestive disorder, which presents with altered bowel habits, alternating between periods of constipation and diarrhea. Stools may be soft and watery or hard and lumpy and the frequency and the urgency of bowel movements are effected.

The cause of IBS is not known, although it is speculated that it is a neurotransmitter miscommunication between the bowel and the brain that may be causing the problem.

One thing that is known is those with IBS seem to be hypersensitive to diet or movements in the bowel, and there are generally abnormalities in the motor functions in the bowel.

The bowel is responsible for the formation and storage of stool so any abnormality to the functions it carries out can have adverse effects on the stool passage, frequency and consistency.

The condition is not a disease but a group of symptoms, and this is why it is referred to as a syndrome. The symptoms tend to be physical in nature although psychological methods of treatment should not be ruled out as they have shown to be helpful and effective.

The symptoms of IBS include abdominal pain or cramping, which is usually felt in the lower region of the bowel. This pain may be incessant or intermittent and can range from mild to severe. The onset usually occurs together with changes in bowel movement pattern.

There are three classifications of IBS, they are constipation predominant (IBS-C), diarrhea predominant (IBS-D) or if the person fluctuates between constipation and diarrhea, they are referred to as having alternating stool patterns (IBS-A). It is most common to be either constipation or diarrhea predominant and generally those symptoms will not change until the irritable bowel syndrome is relieved.

Often defecating can alleviate the crampy stomach pains and bloating. Interestingly, relaxation of the gut can also bring relief, which is why when a person is sleeping the symptoms generally do not occur. Gut motility (movement) is virtually absent during sleep and sudden bowel movement does not normally occur during sleep as muscles in the intestines are also relaxed.

Other, less common symptoms may appear; symptoms including nausea with the pain, vomiting with abdominal distension. If any of these symptoms continue, or any of the following symptoms occur then speak with your doctor immediately: blood in mucus upon stool passage and swollen and painful joints.

Due to its similarity to other conditions properly diagnosing irritable bowel syndrome becomes a process of elimination. All other possible causes of the symptoms must be investigated and eliminated one by one as there is no single diagnostic test that can immediately point to IBS.

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Although it is one of the most common disorders, several similar symptoms can be present in other more severe diseases, as well, which is why it is usually only diagnosed after all other tests and results have been negative.

It is worth pointing out that IBS has not been found to cause any damage to the gut, and once the triggers and therefore the symptoms are managed successfully, the chances of the condition reoccurring are reduced.

Irritable bowel syndrome symptom relief is available after diagnosis by following a plan that identifies triggers that cause symptoms, and alleviating the symptoms as they arrive. In this way both the causes and the effects of the condition can be managed.

By: Susan Reynolds

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Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a problem that affects the large intestine. It can cause abdominal cramping, bloating and a change in bowel habits. Some people with the disorder have constipation. Some have diarrhea. Some go back and forth between constipation and diarrhea. Although IBS can cause a great deal of discomfort, it does not harm the intestines.

 

What causes IBS?

 

Doctors are not sure what causes IBS. The nerves and muscles in the bowel appear to be extra sensitive in people with IBS. Muscles may contract too much when you eat. These contractions can cause cramping and diarrhea during or shortly after a meal. Or the nerves may react when the bowel stretches, causing cramping or pain.

 

The lining of the colon called the epithelium, which is affected by the immune and nervous systems, regulates the flow of fluids in and out of the colon. In IBS, the epithelium appears to work properly. However, when the contents inside the colon move too quickly, the colon loses its ability to absorb fluids. The result is too much fluid in the stool. In other people, the movement inside the colon is too slow, which causes extra fluid to be absorbed. As a result, a person develops constipation.

 

IBS can be classified as either diarrhea-predominant (IBS-D), constipation-predominant (IBS-C) or IBS with alternating stool pattern (IBS-A or pain-predominant[6]). In some individuals, IBS may have an acute onset and develop after an infectious illness characterised by two or more of the following: fever, vomiting, diarrhea, or positive stool culture. This post-infective syndrome has consequently been termed “post-infectious IBS” (IBS-PI).

 

Irritable Bowel Syndrome Symptoms

 

Like many people, you may have only mild signs and symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. Sometimes these problems can be disabling, however. In some cases, you may have severe signs and symptoms that don’t respond well to medical treatment. Because symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome can be present with other diseases, it’s best to discuss these symptoms with your doctor.

 

Abdominal cramping and pain that are relieved after bowel movements

 

Alternating periods of diarrhea and constipation

 

Change in the stool frequency or consistency

 

Other symptoms sometimes occur and include: nausea (feeling sick), headache, belching, poor appetite, tiredness, backache, muscle pains, feeling quickly ‘full’ after eating, heartburn, and bladder symptoms (an associated ‘irritable bladder’).

 

How is IBS diagnosed?

 

Your doctor may start by asking you questions about your symptoms. If your symptoms have had a pattern over time, the pattern may make it clear to your doctor that IBS is the cause.

 

Medical history — The diagnosis of IBS begins with a comprehensive medical history. The medical history will include a discussion of the nature, duration, and severity of gastrointestinal and other symptoms. Sometimes a medical history reveals that dietary factors or drugs are actually causing a person’s symptoms. Clinicians routinely ask about past and present physical or sexual abuse and stress because these factors may have a role in IBS.

 

Irritable Bowel Syndrome Treatment

 

Treatment for IBS depends on the severity of the disease. It can often be controlled by changes in diet and stress management. Other cases warrant medication — over-the-counter or prescription. For some people IBS can be disabling and for others it is chronic and fluctuates in severity, disappearing temporarily or completely.

 

Alosetron hydrochloride (Lotronex) can be used for women with severe IBS who have not responded to conventional therapy and whose primary symptom is diarrhea. However, even in these patients, it should be used with caution because it can have serious side effects, such as severe constipation or decreased blood flow to the colon.

 

IBS is a non-life threatening illness. It does not progress or increase your risk of developing Inflammatory Bowel Disease or Cancer. Treatment focuses on the relief of symptoms so you can live your life as normally as possible.

 

By: peterhutch

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Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a problem that affects the large intestine. It can cause abdominal cramping, bloating and a change in bowel habits. Some people with the disorder have constipation. Some have diarrhea. Some go back and forth between constipation and diarrhea. Although IBS can cause a great deal of discomfort, it does not harm the intestines.

 

What causes IBS?

 

Doctors are not sure what causes IBS. The nerves and muscles in the bowel appear to be extra sensitive in people with IBS. Muscles may contract too much when you eat. These contractions can cause cramping and diarrhea during or shortly after a meal. Or the nerves may react when the bowel stretches, causing cramping or pain.

 

The lining of the colon called the epithelium, which is affected by the immune and nervous systems, regulates the flow of fluids in and out of the colon. In IBS, the epithelium appears to work properly. However, when the contents inside the colon move too quickly, the colon loses its ability to absorb fluids. The result is too much fluid in the stool. In other people, the movement inside the colon is too slow, which causes extra fluid to be absorbed. As a result, a person develops constipation.

 

IBS can be classified as either diarrhea-predominant (IBS-D), constipation-predominant (IBS-C) or IBS with alternating stool pattern (IBS-A or pain-predominant[6]). In some individuals, IBS may have an acute onset and develop after an infectious illness characterised by two or more of the following: fever, vomiting, diarrhea, or positive stool culture. This post-infective syndrome has consequently been termed “post-infectious IBS” (IBS-PI).

 

Irritable Bowel Syndrome Symptoms

 

Like many people, you may have only mild signs and symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. Sometimes these problems can be disabling, however. In some cases, you may have severe signs and symptoms that don’t respond well to medical treatment. Because symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome can be present with other diseases, it’s best to discuss these symptoms with your doctor.

 

Abdominal cramping and pain that are relieved after bowel movements

 

Alternating periods of diarrhea and constipation

 

Change in the stool frequency or consistency

 

Other symptoms sometimes occur and include: nausea (feeling sick), headache, belching, poor appetite, tiredness, backache, muscle pains, feeling quickly ‘full’ after eating, heartburn, and bladder symptoms (an associated ‘irritable bladder’).

 

How is IBS diagnosed?

 

Your doctor may start by asking you questions about your symptoms. If your symptoms have had a pattern over time, the pattern may make it clear to your doctor that IBS is the cause.

 

Medical history — The diagnosis of IBS begins with a comprehensive medical history. The medical history will include a discussion of the nature, duration, and severity of gastrointestinal and other symptoms. Sometimes a medical history reveals that dietary factors or drugs are actually causing a person’s symptoms. Clinicians routinely ask about past and present physical or sexual abuse and stress because these factors may have a role in IBS.

 

Irritable Bowel Syndrome Treatment

 

Treatment for IBS depends on the severity of the disease. It can often be controlled by changes in diet and stress management. Other cases warrant medication — over-the-counter or prescription. For some people IBS can be disabling and for others it is chronic and fluctuates in severity, disappearing temporarily or completely.

 

Alosetron hydrochloride (Lotronex) can be used for women with severe IBS who have not responded to conventional therapy and whose primary symptom is diarrhea. However, even in these patients, it should be used with caution because it can have serious side effects, such as severe constipation or decreased blood flow to the colon.

 

IBS is a non-life threatening illness. It does not progress or increase your risk of developing Inflammatory Bowel Disease or Cancer. Treatment focuses on the relief of symptoms so you can live your life as normally as possible.

 

By: peterhutch

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Colon Health – Diverticulosis, The ‘Pouch’ Disease

The title is a little misleading. Diverticulosis is a condition in which a person has developed diverticula – small pouch-like structures – in the digestive system. Normally, they’re harmless and may persist for long periods, even a lifetime. It’s only when they become infected or inflamed that diverticulitis, the actual illness, occurs, generally to about 15% of those with diverticulosis.

The symptoms include abdominal pain, fever, nausea, and a radical change in bowel habits. The pain is often severe and may come on suddenly, usually in the lower left side of the abdomen. Vomiting is possible and constipation and/or diarrhea are common.

Those symptoms result when those marble-sized pouches rupture or become infected. The causes of the change are not known but several factors that make it more or less likely have received careful study. Simple aging is one risk factor, since it tends to produce both a weakening in portions of the intestine as well as changes in elasticity of the bowel. However, there are several risk factors that are within our control.

Lack of exercise and the often associated obesity contribute to the chances of developing diverticula, and for them to change in a harmful way. But the major cause is thought to be diet, in particular too low an intake of fiber. Fiber helps lend bulk to stools while at the same time absorbing water to keep them soft.

When the condition is allowed to develop, there are several secondary complications that may result from diverticulitis. A blockage may occur, caused by scarring. Abscesses are possible when pus collects in the pouch. But the most common and most serious, at least when the condition progresses, is peritonitis.

If a diverticulum ruptures, the contents of the digestive system spill into the abdominal cavity, which is lined with tissue called a peritoneum. The resulting inflammation is called peritonitis. When this happens, immediate care is a must, usually surgery. The toxins can poison the body in a short period, marked by symptoms such as spike in the white cells and an associated high fever.

Fortunately, that is far from a foregone conclusion. Changes to the diet – the addition of fiber mentioned above – are the simplest method of prevention and ‘treatment’. A temporary liquid diet, typically only for a few days, is another effective alternative. Antibiotics may be recommended to prevent or treat infection.

In more severe or advanced cases, corrective surgery may be required. In some cases that involves what is known as a primary bowel resection, a procedure in which the affected area is removed and the bowel sewn back together, minus that part.

What is required can, of course, only be determined by a professional diagnosis. That is typically as painless (and harmless) as having a CT (computer tomography) scan. A radiologist directs a series of computer-controlled X-ray bursts at the abdomen and the results are recorded and analyzed. A CT scan may also be performed as part of treatment, in order to guide a physician to drain any abscess that has occurred.

To head all that off, be sure to exercise regularly in an age-appropriate way, eat plenty of fiber, and drink plenty of fluids. Fiber supplements (such as Metamucil or Citrucel), properly used, are also beneficial.