IBS
www.colon-cleanse-constipation.com
updated 11 months ago
Irritable Bowel Syndrome, or IBS, is a condition characterized by:
- Excess gas
- Cramping and abdominal pain
- Painful diarrhea and/or constipation
- Bloating
- Chronic constipation, chronic diarrhea, or a combination of both
- Mucus in bowel movements
- An urge to have a bowel movement without success
This condition can be quite difficult to diagnose because there are no indications presented with a standard colon examination. Rather, the doctor must rely entirely upon the medical history provided by the patient.
Causes of Irritable Bowel Syndrome
The primary cause of Irritable Bowel Syndrome is still unknown. Many researchers believe it is caused by or at least aggravated by stress or emotional conflict, though no conclusive evidence exists.
This condition is characterized by contractions (controlled by hormones and nerves) of the intestinal walls. The contractions cause the waste in the colon to move back and forth more roughly than in a person with a healthy colon. This leads to the irregular bowel movements characterized as IBS.
The condition can be triggered by a number of factors including:
- Taking certain medications
- Eating specific foods
- Eating in general, which causes the colon to contract and may lead to an almost immediate urge to have a bowel movement
Although Irritable Bowel Syndrome is uncomfortable and irritating, it does not cause permanent damage to the intestines or lead to serious health concerns such as cancer or Crohn’s disease. In addition, it does not cause bleeding of the intestines.
Preventing Irritable Bowel Syndrome
IBS can be controlled in a number of ways. For many people, making simple dietary improvements can decrease the symptoms. By carefully monitoring the foods eaten, for example, someone can determine which foods trigger the contractions. Fiber supplements (or better yet, increasing dietary fiber consumption) to encourage regular bowel movements may be beneficial as well. In some cases, a doctor may suggest or offer laxatives, but this should be avoided because the colon can become dependent upon them.1
Since Irritable Bowel Syndrome is often triggered by stress, it is also helpful to incorporate stress reduction techniques to lessen the symptoms. Yoga and meditation are two natural stress-reducing activities. Getting regular exercise of any kind is great for relieving stress, keeping the bowels functioning well, and improving the overall health of the body.
The exact treatment plan used for Irritable Bowel Syndrome is largely dependent upon the age of the patient, their overall health, and their medical history. It also depends on the severity of the person’s disease and their tolerance for medication and undergoing certain procedures. It should be noted there is currently no known cure for Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Therefore, every treatment plan involves simply taking steps to reduce the effects of the symptoms.
Although Irritable Bowel Syndrome does not lead to any other medical condition, it can be debilitating to those suffering from the condition as they become afraid to attend social events or engage in physical activities for fear of having uncontrollable bowel movements. In most cases, however, a proper combination of diet and exercise can make IBS controllable and should not interfere with normal daily routines. For those individuals suffering from embarrassment or fear of having a social life, counseling may be necessary.
1 [NOTE--The Editor strongly advises against taking any laxative product due to the potentially harmful side effects associated with these types of chemical stimulants.]
