Friday 6 July 2012

IBS Syndrome

By Runal Keronil


Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a painful condition that causes one or more of these symptoms within the abdomen; diarrhea, constipation, cramping and bloating. IBS affects the Large Intestine where stool is stored. Although IBS is very painful, it is not a disease. It is called a functional disorder, which means that the Large Intestine is not functioning properly, which causes the discomfort within the abdomen. Women are known to show the symptoms of IBS more than men. Some of these women may notice an increase in their symptoms during their menstral cycle.

Stress is another possible cause of irritable bowel syndrome. Even though stress in and of itself might not be the cause, it can aggravate the symptoms during periods of higher stress and while a person is trying to adapt to a significant change in their life. Half of people who will deal with irritable bowel syndrome are under 35 years of age and young women are more at risk. Women may be more at risk because of hormonal changes related to menstruation.

In our current age of high stress careers and long work days, its no wonder doctors believe as many as one in five Americans sufferer from IBS. Yet, stress is only one theory as to how weve become a population suffering from IBS. Other popular theories include diet, gender, and illness.

Diets in whole grains, high in fiber, fruit, and low in fats provide some IBS sufferers ample IBS relief without the use of supplements or prescription medication. Foods that contain caffeine, like coffee and chocolate, should be avoided by IBS sufferers because they can over stimulate the lining of their colons and produce excess bloating, gas, and cramps. Those prone to diarrhea may find an increase in this symptom after caffeine consumption. Caffeine is a stimulate and not good for promoting IBS relief. Also sufferers with allergies to any food " in particular wheat, egg, and dairy, should limit or avoid foods containing these ingredients. These foods hinder IBS relief by aggravating the lining of the colon just as caffeine does. Alcohol should be avoided, as well.

Most importantly, sufferers of IBS should avoid certain foods that can greatly increase the disturbing symptoms associated with this condition. These foods can irritate an already sensitive intestine and cause strong discomfort. Not everyone is affected as strongly as others by certain foods, so in an IBS diet it is necessary to take the time to determine which foods cause gas, constipation and other side effects. Initially, these foods should be eaten less frequently than before; if needed, a food may need to be entirely eliminated from the diet.

Although IBS is very painful it does not cause any long lasting damage to the colon.




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