There are some conditions that you just don’t feel comfortable telling your doctor about, and Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), just happens to fall in to that category. For obvious reasons, most people affected by Irritable Bowel Syndrome are embarrassed about their condition and therefore many try to treat the condition on their own. However, although IBS can be treated for those with minor conditions, if your situation is negatively affecting your life on a daily basis, then you should consider talking to someone about it.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome is a condition marked by bloating, severe abdominal pain, and cramping. It is also called spastic colon syndrome and generally alters the normal patterns of bowel movements. More often than not, the person affected by IBS will be plagued with diarrhea and/or constipation, however this isn’t always the case.

Sometimes, factors in the diet can lead to a person being affected by this condition, although for some there aren’t any dietary factors at all. Still, it should be noted that altering the diet and removing spicy foods, dairy products (lactose), and adding more fiber can help with treatment. If you are diagnosed with Irritable Bowel Syndrome, then your doctor might order an allergy test to determine whether certain foods are behind your condition, in which case the condition can easily be treated with a change in diet.

Sometimes, counseling could be in order, as IBS often manifests as a result of increased stress and anxiety in a person’s life. It might seem odd, but treating mental problems can often decrease physical symptoms of this condition. This is because your body’s condition mirrors that of the mind, and a troubled mind can cause physical symptoms to appear. On the other hand, meditation has been shown to help some people lower stress in their lives, or at least be able to deal with it more effectively. As a result, symptoms of IBS often disappear or at least get reduced to a level that is manageable. Since IBS is considered a psychosomatic condition, treating both the mind and body are important.

Probiotics and fiber supplements have been shown to help remove the symptoms of IBS and can easily be purchased online or at a local health food store. Antispasmodics have also been shown to help relax the stomach and bowels so that digestion can resume normally. It is amazing that a condition with such distinct symptoms can be treated in so many ways, but the reason is that there is not known cause. Although doctors have been studying Irritable Bowel Syndrome for years, there are very few clues to the etiology of IBS.

By: Alan Low

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Kansieo.com

Finding Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) solutions that work is easy, even though western medical culture appears to use the term “IBS” as a general holdall for any digestive tract problem that cannot be immediately diagnosed.

The condition manifests itself at any age, in males and females, most commonly as mild or severe abdominal pain, with or without a bloated abdomen feeling, often accompanied by alternating bouts of diarrhea and constipation. In diagnosing this condition today it is recognised that there are psychological and medical factors to be considered, whereas for many years, Irritable Bowel Syndrome solutions were determined by considering only the so-called “brain-gut” link, and ignoring lifestyle in general.

There are a number of self-help Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) solutions that may well reduce, or even cure, the condition however, the symptoms may also indicate other underlying medical conditions, so a visit to the doctor is recommended. Natural remedial actions are recommended before considering over the counter medications that may give temporary relief but ignore the long-term underlying problem.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome and Stress

It is rcognised that psychological factors contribute to bowel disorders, and stress is the number one condition that affects health and plays a part in IBS. This stress may include anxiety over job loss, divorce, family death, insolvency, existing health problems, fears of examinations and even passing the driving test. Relaxation and stress management techniques will enable identification of a particular stress source and then removing it from the equation will go far in reliving IBS. Also, exercise is a tremendous way of reducing the stress in life apart from helping to keep daily bowel movements regular.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome and Diet

As in so many health related problems, the importance of diet cannot be over-estimated, and as different foods have varying effects on the body, Irritable Bowel Syndrome solutions may well be found in a diet change. Missing out foods suspected of triggering the problem on a one by one basis will identify those that bring on IBS and various nutritional supplements will enhance a deficient diet.

Depending on the predominant symptom, diet modifications help and constipation requires a higher intake of fruit, vegetables and other foods with a high fibre content, while diarrhoea requires a reduction in caffeine content, spicy foods and alcohol. Similarly, removing beans from the diet will reduce the tendency to flatulence.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome and Medication

Apart from prescription medications there are any number of over-the-counter medications readily available as well as natural preparations. “Imodium” is good for diarrhoea and “Lactulose” for constipation. Natural preparations such as Probiotics as found in yoghurt should not be ignored although their effectiveness is doubtful, as are traditional Chinese remedies as Self-Help Irritable Bowel Syndrome solutions.

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By: Raj Kumar

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