Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or functional bowel syndrome is a disorder of the intestines. Excessive squeezing motions or the lack of adequate squeezing motion of the intestines makes food move too swiftly or too slowly through them. IBS affects both men and women but is more common in women.
Symptoms of IBS
Some of the most common symptoms of IBS are:
- Constipation, diarrhea or both.
- Abdominal pain that usually goes away after a bowel movement.
- Abdominal bloating and accumulation of gas in the stomach.
- Mucus in the stool.
- Unsatisfactory bowel movement. Feeling that you want to have a bowel movement even after you have had one.
- Uncontrollable urge to have a bowel movement.
|  | | If you experience one or more of the above symptoms, consult your doctor. There is no cure for IBS. However, if you are having bad symptoms, your doctor may prescribe medicine to help you manage or lessen your symptoms. IBS can be aggravated by certain factors. During these events, symptoms of IBS worsen.
- While you travel.
- When you are in stressful situations.
- When you attend social events.
- Lack of healthy food. Certain type of foods may also trigger IBS in some people.
- Eating a heavy meal.
- Women may experience frequent symptoms during their menstrual periods.
|  | The best way to handle IBS is to eat a healthy diet, avoid foods thatseem to make you feel worse and find ways to handle your stress.
| | | Maintain a healthy diet
Healthy eating can prevent IBS. Eating foods rich in fiber can be very beneficial as it improves the functioning of your intestines. There are two types of fiber: soluble and insoluble fiber. Sources of soluble fiber are apples, oranges, lemons and beans. Insoluble fiber can be found in whole grain breads, wheat bran and many vegetables. Fiber rich diet prevents Constipation and diarrhea.
|
 | There is a common misconception that certain foods cause IBS. This is not true. Certain foods only worsen your symptoms, but do not cause IBS. Beverages containing caffeine : A drug that stimulates the central nervous system . This is found naturally in coffee, tea, and chocolate .', WIDTH, 450, TITLE, 'Glossary', '', true, FADEIN, 300, FADEOUT, 300, STICKY, 1, OFFSETX, -20, CLOSEBTN, true, CLICKCLOSE, true)" href=# >caffeine such as tea, coffee, etc. can worsen symptoms. Alcohol is also bad for IBS sufferers. If you have lactose in tolerance, which is your body’s inability to digest lactose (the sugar in milk) dairy products can worsen symptoms. Keep track of what you eat and the kind of foods that trigger symptoms in you. This will help you avoid those foods.
| | | Tips to prevent/control IBS
- Avoid stress or stressful situations. Devise ways to deal with stress, such as exercise, relaxation and/or meditation.
- Eat a healthy diet. Avoid foods that may make your symptoms worse.
- Drink plenty of water and other fluids like fruit juice, soup, etc.
- Eat smaller meals.
- Do not use laxatives as they can weaken your intestines and make you dependent on them every time you want to have a bowel movement.
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 | | | Finally
Living with irritable bowel syndrome presents daily challenges. It may be painful or embarrassing and can seriously affect the quality of your life. It can interfere with your work, your relationships with friends and family, and may also hinder your recreational activities, hobbies and entertainment. At times, you may feel discouraged or depressed.
It is important to see your doctor if you have constant changes in your bowel habits or if you have any other signs or symptoms of IBS, because these may be an indication of a more serious disease condition. Your doctor may be able to help you find ways to relieve symptoms as well as rule out other more serious disease conditions. |
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