Irritable Bowel Syndome

Have you ever had those days when you just cannot seem to find relief? No, matter what you do the symptoms just keep coming? Before, you know it you have spent half the day in the bathroom. You have had to call in sick to work. After several visits to you doctor, you have finally been told that you have Irritable Bowel Syndome (IBS). As relieved as you are finally to learn what has been happening, you now have to learn how to control it. The good news is that this is not a terminal condition. It has been reported that more women than men will come down with Irritable Bowel Syndome. Approximately, 20 percent of the adult population experience IBS symptoms. IBS is the most common chronic health disorder in America, UK, Canada, New Zealand and Australia.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome is a condition that is characterized as having stomach spasms, cramping, abdominal pain, gas, nausea, bloating, constipation and diarrhea. These symptoms will not lead to a more serious condition or disease. However, they are very uncomfortable. This is a chronic condition that if not attended to can control a person life. Making it extremely tough for a person to work, travel short or long distances or attend social events. Attacks can happen suddenly. At any tine, day or night, and have been known to happen while people were sound asleep. Stress, whether mentally or emotionally, can stimulate colon spasms causing an individual's IBS to flare up. Approximately, 70 percent of people suffering from IBS are not receiving any form of medical treatment for their symptoms.

There is not a cure for Irritable Bowel Syndrome. It is a brain-gut dysfunction. While it is incurable, this condition can be controlled by diet, exercise and lowering your overall stress. Trying to gain control through your diet is a primary step. Especially, since your gut plays a direct role. Because everyone's body reacts differently to different foods, it is difficult to establish strict guidelines. However, foods high in fat, insoluble fiber, caffeine, coffee, carbonation or alcohol will be problematic. On the flip side, foods with soluble fibers are the single greatest dietary aid for preventing IBS. Soluble fibers are not found in foods you would typically think of as containing fiber. Soluble fibers will stabilize the intestinal contractions while working to soothe and regulate the digestive tract. The key to living with IBS is, knowing how to control your symptoms, not letting your symptoms control you.