Getting a Grip On Irritable Bowel Syndrome!

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IRRITABLE BOWEL SYNDROME - (IBS) BASICS

IRRITABLE BOWEL SYNDROME - is the most common gut condition that causes discomfort and distress, so much so that people with Irritable Bowel Syndrome may be too stressed to function normally and be unable to work, go out socially or may even have problems while traveling. Irritable bowel syndrome is not a disease but a group of symptoms and is considered a functional disorder, meaning that the bowel does not work or function properly. Most people with irritable bowel syndrome find that symptoms improve as they learn to control their condition with diet and lifestyle changes that include stress management, getting adequate sleep and moderate exercise.

IRRITABLE BOWEL SYNDROME - CAUSES
Doctors do not know what causes irritable bowel syndrome. They do know that with irritable bowel syndrome, movement of the digestive tract does not work, as it should. The nerves and muscles in the digestive tract become extra sensitive in people with irritable bowel syndrome causing cramps and diarrhea during or shortly after a meal.

IRRITABLE BOWEL SYNDROME - SYMPTOMS- (IBS SYMPTOMS)
•   Abdominal pain / cramping,
•   Chronic diarrhea, constipation or a combination of both as alternating chronic conditions
•   Bloating with gas, belly is distended
•   Mucus in stool
•   Feeling that you have not finished a bowel movement.
•    Stress and or depression.

IRRITABLE BOWEL SYNDROME AND STRESS
Stress does not cause irritable bowel syndrome, but people with this condition are more sensitive to stress. That's why its important for people with irritable bowel syndrome to make small lifestyle changes and learn to reduce stress. This will definitely help relieve their symptoms from irritable bowel syndrome.

IRRITABLE BOWEL SYNDROME - TREATMENT
Can changes in the diet help relieve Irritable Bowel Syndrome?
For many people, careful eating helps reduce or eliminate some of the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. Dietary fiber may lessen irritable bowel syndrome symptoms, particularly constipation. Sometimes irritable bowel syndrome is related to stress and not getting enough sleep or adequate exercise.

Contact our dietitians who can help you plan a menu plan specifically to address your irritable bowel condition. The NutritionVista dietitians will work with your lifestyle habits, personal likes and dislikes and underlying health conditions to guide you through your daily routine. We recommend a three month package to evaluate your dietary needs, your current diet and lifestyle factors and then provide consultations to enable you to successfully alleviate your condition. (View packages)

By Deepika Kohli,
Dietitian Online,
www.Nutritionvista.com

NutritionVista

User Comments

04 August, 2010 | Geetanjali Kelkar | Reply

IBS may be in the brain, not in the mind. IBS patients usually experience anxiety, depression and are told that their symptoms of diarrhea, constipation or abdominal pain is all in their minds. However, recent study from University of California, Los Angeles suggests that the brain contains an organic component to IBS and supports the concept of brain-gut disorder. Specific areas of the brain are affected that
1) Dampen the brains arousal system, patients tend to be over sensitive to bowel sensations.
2) Individuals are unable to cope with chronic pain syndromes
Nerves constantly send increased pain signals to the brain. The study has appeared in July issue of Gastorenterology

07 July, 2010 | Vijayalakshmi Iyengar | Reply

If you are suffering from IBS remember it shows up especially when you leat want it ..when you are under great stress. So when you have some important event coming up like an interview or exams etc, It is vital that you eat on time, eat a high fibre and balanced diet which is low on fried and fatty food. Sleep well and learn to relax. It will make it that much easier for you.

27 March, 2010 | Poonam Vaswani | Reply

Hello Sara,
Adopting good dietary habits is crucial in relieving IBS symptoms. Often, different individuals with IBS react differently to the same foods. It is thus best to keep a diary to identify the culprits.
Usually foods with caffeine, alcohol, insoluble fibre ,carbonation and high fat content tend to trigger off symptoms of IBS because they are either irritants or stimulants, thus causing pain, diarrhoea, and gas or bloating.
Foods rich in soluble fibre are good for the bowel. Cereals (rice, oats, and pasta), potato, turnip, beet, mushroom, carrot, yam, squash, pumpkin, avocado, banana, mango, papaya, lentils & beans are good for IBS.
Insoluble fibre on the other hand, should not be eliminated totally & must be eaten in moderation, or to the extent that the body tolerates it. Large quantities may cause gassiness. Raw fruits & vegetables contain plenty of insoluble fibre. It is helpful to peel & cook foods with a tough skin.
Other common irritants are wheat, dairy products, red meats, citrus fruits & artificial sweeteners.
At least 8-10 glasses of water should be consumed every day. Small meals, eaten slowly are recommended.
Thank You for your query.
NutritionVista Team