This disorder is a menace and disturbs daily activity of an individual
Irritable Bowel Syndrome or IBS is when one experiences repeated pain in the abdomen, and frequent changes in bowel movement. In this condition, one may have diarrhea, constipation or both regularly along with bloating.
This gastrointestinal disorder is a menace and disturbs the daily activity and performance of an individual to a great extent. As per a report, 5-10% of the population worldwide suffers from irritable bowel syndrome.
This double trouble of stomach discomfort and irregular bowel movement needs to be addressed at the earliest.
IBS: What are the common symptoms?
The common symptoms are cramping, abdominal pain, bloating, gas, and diarrhea or constipation.
These abdominal issues affect the overall mood of people. Hence people with IBS experience depression and anxiety.
Those having constipation will always feel that they haven't emptied the bowel completely. These people always feel like having a second bowel movement immediately after completing the first one.
Few people can also see whitish mucus in the stool.
Other symptoms associated with IBS are backache, bowel incontinence, urination problem, nausea, lack of energy and flatulence.
IBS: What are the causes?
There are certain very specific reasons why people get IBS. These reasons are so common that people often overlook these and continue suffering from IBS without even knowing what the real reasons are behind this condition.
Food intolerance is a major reason behind IBS in many people. There is a huge gap in understanding food allergies. Many people do not see food as a reason for allergy and continue eating it. The ideal way to treat IBS is to inspect your food plate properly and find the food that is causing trouble to your body. For example, many people do not realise they are allergic to wheat and continue eating it. Having such foods will affect the digestive system.
A bacterial infection in the gastrointestinal tract is another reason for IBS.
There is also a link between stress and IBS. The US National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases says that stressful or difficult early life events, such as physical or sexual abuse can lead to a disturbance in the gut health causing IBS. Though there is a direct connection between stress and IBS, experts say strong emotions like stress trigger the brain to send pain signals to the gut that can cause the colons to react. We all know how stress wreaks havoc on the overall body functioning.
IBS: What should one do?
Instead of normalizing it, one should see a doctor if bowel movements are irregular over a long period of time.
Along with the doctor's recommendation, one should change lifestyle habits. For example, one should include more fibers in food so that the waste is removed easily from the body. As per a report, women should try to eat at least 21 to 25 grams of fiber a day, while men should aim for 30 to 38 grams a day. Research suggests that soluble fiber is more helpful in relieving IBS symptoms.
Try to have foods which have less carbohydrates. FODMAPs, which stands for fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides and polyols should be avoided as these foods irritate the gut system in many individuals. Canned fruits, honey, candies, gums, and fruit juices should be avoided.
Apart from this, one should find out if they are allergic to any kind of food that is disturbing their bowel movement.
Increasing physical activity, reducing stressful life situations as much as possible, and getting enough sleep are some of the lifestyle changes one can make for a healthy gut.
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