These steps are mentioned below:

It is extremely important to increase the intake of fiber in the diet. The foods that . . . → Read More: Treatment for Irritable Bowel Syndrome]]> There is no cure for irritable bowel syndrome. However, certain steps can be taken in order to avoid the factors that trigger the attack of the symptoms and make the symptoms worse.

These steps are mentioned below:

• Consumption of a high fiber diet

It is extremely important to increase the intake of fiber in the diet. The foods that are rich in the soluble fiber are mainly fruits and vegetables. These foods help to cleanse the digestive system. The soluble fiber is easily dissolved and helps to soften the stools and maintain regular bowel movements. This helps to ease the constipation related symptoms such as hard stools, bloating of the abdomen and abdominal pain. Hence a health care professional will always advise a person suffering from constipation predominant type of irritable bowel syndrome to include at least 5 daily servings of vegetables and at least 2 daily servings of fruits in the diet. Vegetables can be consumed raw, in the form of salads, stir fry or soups. It is advisable to consume fresh fruits, but canned or tinned fruits can also be included in the diet. Fruits should not be replaced with fruit jellies or fruit bars as again they are high in processed foods, gluten and food additives which can trigger the onset of irritable bowel syndrome.

• Regular food habits are necessary in the management of irritable bowel syndrome

Regular food habits will help to reduce other bowel symptoms such as bloating and abdominal discomfort.

• Replace fruit juices and colas with water

It is important to avoid the fruit and vegetable juices or the sugary fizzy fruit cordials that are available in the supermarkets. These fruit drinks are high in the sugar content and may trigger the onset of irritable bowel syndrome.

• Avoiding gluten containing food is important in cases of food intolerance

Many people suffering from irritable bowel syndrome have reported increase in the symptoms after intake of foods containing gluten. Gluten is present in wheat and other grains. Hence it is important to identify such foods and avoid them.

• Avoiding spicy food and junk foods is important

Spicy food and junk food can irritate the bowel and trigger the development of irritable bowel syndrome. Hence it is important to avoid the spicy food and consume moderate food at regular meal times. The junk food must be replaced with freshly cooked homemade meals.

• Diarrhea can be relieved by medications

Sometimes the health care professional can prescribe drugs such as lomotil in order to provide temporary relief in case of diarrhea.

• Stress management may play a role in controlling the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome

The onset of irritable bowel syndrome is triggered by stressful situations that cause anxiety, nervousness and depression. Hence the health care professional may refer the person suffering from this condition to a psychologist or a professional counselor in order to learn stress management techniques and calm down the anxiety. Often the person complains of diarrhea in case of anxiety and depression.

Bookmark & Share

More »

Causes of Irritable Bowel Syndrome

The exact cause of irritable bowel syndrome has not yet been determined. However, a significant amount of clinical research has been done to find . . . → Read More: Causes of Irritable Bowel Syndrome]]> Irritable bowel syndrome or IBS is a functional disorder of the bowel. This disorder is characterized by diarrhea alternating with constipation, chronic abdominal pain, abdominal discomfort and bloating.

Causes of Irritable Bowel Syndrome

The exact cause of irritable bowel syndrome has not yet been determined. However, a significant amount of clinical research has been done to find the causative factors of irritable bowel syndrome. Studies have shown that the neurotransmitter serotonin may be important in the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, by altering the function of nerve cells in the bowel and causing changes in pain sensation and bowel function.

According to the scientists, there are certain factors that can trigger the onset of irritable bowel syndrome. These trigger factors are mentioned below:

• Emotional stress can trigger the onset of irritable bowel syndrome

Many persons suffering from irritable bowel syndrome have often reported extreme emotional stress such as anxiety and depression, before the development of this condition. Irritable bowel syndrome is a functional disorder and strong emotions or certain life changing events such as divorce, the death of a loved one or even a natural calamity can seriously affect the individual and may help to trigger the onset of irritable bowel syndrome.

• Certain dietary habits may play a role in the development of irritable bowel syndrome

According to some scientists, intake of a spicy diet, junk food or irregular eating habits can trigger the onset of irritable bowel syndrome, especially diarrhea predominant type of irritable bowel syndrome. In other cases, the consumption of a low fiber diet or a diet that is lacking in high fiber foods can lead to the development of constipation and eventually trigger the onset of constipation predominant type of irritable bowel syndrome.

• Intolerance of certain foods is the commonest cause of irritable bowel syndrome

Some theories suggest that the most common cause of irritable bowel syndrome is food intolerance. This is especially true in cases of lactose intolerance. Lactose intolerance is an inability to digest the sugars that are present in milk and other dairy products. Lactose intolerance may lead to the development of irritable bowel syndrome. Another condition that can play a vital role in the development of this bowel disorder is gluten intolerance. Gluten is present in wheat and other grains.

• Infection of the intestine can cause the onset of irritable bowel syndrome

Infectious disease, especially infection of the gut can cause irritable bowel syndrome. Health care professionals can often track down the onset of irritable bowel syndrome in an individual after the person suffers from an episode of gastroenteritis. Many people suffer from gastroenteritis as a result of consumption of contaminated food and water. But why some people suffer from irritable bowel syndrome after an episode of gastroenteritis is still not known.

• Medications can trigger the onset of irritable bowel syndrome in some people

According to some scientists, certain medications such as antibiotics, antacids and painkillers when consumed in excess can trigger the onset of irritable bowel syndrome.

Related Reading => Irritable Bowel Syndrome

=> Get More Information on Triple Complex Digestion Tonic Tissue Salts

Bookmark & Share

More »

1. Diarrhea

Diarrhea is a characteristic symptom of the diarrhea predominant type of irritable bowel syndrome. The person often complains of diarrhea, which is aggravated in periods of emotional stress causing anxiety and nervousness. A bout of depression can also lead to an attack of . . . → Read More: Symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome]]> Some of the common symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) are mentioned below:

1. Diarrhea

Diarrhea is a characteristic symptom of the diarrhea predominant type of irritable bowel syndrome. The person often complains of diarrhea, which is aggravated in periods of emotional stress causing anxiety and nervousness. A bout of depression can also lead to an attack of diarrhea. It seems that people suffering from irritable bowel syndrome have sensitive bowels that are easily go into a state of disorder and produce the bowel symptoms. The diarrhea can also be aggravated by other factors such as eating spicy food, eating food with excessive salt and sugar or food additives and irregular eating habits. Any simple change in the diet can also lead to the aggravation of the bowel symptoms.

2. Constipation

Constipation is one of the important symptoms of the constipation predominant type of irritable bowel syndrome. The bowels may go into a state of laxity and the person complains of constipation. This condition is often related to physical and emotional stress or work related anxieties. The doctors usually advise the people suffering from constipation to eta a diet full of fruits and vegetables that are high in fiber. A high fiber diet is recommended for constipation. But, in other cases, there are certain high fiber foods such as wheat and grains, which may contain gluten. Many people suffering from this bowel condition often report intolerance to gluten. The intake of gluten only worsens the existing symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. So it is important to avoid gluten rich foods, while maintaining a high fiber diet.

3. Diarrhea alternating with constipation

Many people suffering from irritable bowel syndrome complain of alternating bowel habits. Periods of constipation alternate with attacks of diarrhea. This is another important symptom of irritable bowel syndrome.

4. Bloating of abdomen

The irregular bowel habits such as constipation and diarrhea may also lead to other symptoms such as frequent bloating of the abdomen. The bloating of abdomen is not relieved by antacids or in other cases the antacids can only provide a temporary relief.

5. Chronic abdominal pain

People suffering from irritable bowel syndrome may complain of a chronic abdominal pain. This pain is usually associated with the bloating of the abdomen. The pain is a generalized pain and is present all over the abdomen.

6. Intolerance to lactose

Intolerance to lactose, in simple terms, means an inability of the body to digest the sugars present in the milk and the dairy products. Symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome may be associated with intolerance to lactose.

=> Get More Info on DigestAssist for Acute and Chronic Digestive Problems

Bookmark & Share

More »