Some of us who suffer Irritable Bowel Syndrome have tried for many years, without success, to eliminate the often debilitating affects of this mysterious disorder. Generally those who suffer have spent a great deal of time and money, having test after test only to be told that nothing conclusive was found.

Often after years of diagnostic procedures and expensive studies, patients are told there was nothing wrong with them. Their complaint of symptoms are brushed off as imaginary or more properly put in medical terms, psychosomatic. But with the ever increasing number of patients complaining of the same generalized list of symptoms, the medical community has been forced, in at least a small part, to acknowledge the malady as something more then imaginary symptoms of hypochondria.

So what can we surmise about IBS? It is a condition or disease in and of itself? Or is IBS is a condition caused by or a symptom of some other physical, neurological or possibly even psychological problem that is as yet undetected or undiagnosed as being relative to the IBS condition? I find this to be a more plausible conclusion and will provide some insight for my personal belief that IBS is a secondary condition rather then a condition unto itself.

For years doctors have proposed the secondary condition concept in relation to Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Unfortunately, they have not yet been able to successfully document any evidence to conclusively say what might be the root cause of IBS. Moreover, I believe there is not just one cause, but several causes, all with the same secondary symptoms, which make up what is termed as IBS.

Please don’t think that it is my intent to say the IBS condition is not real, or the symptomology is psychosomatic in nature. I know from painful experience the condition and symptoms of IBS are very real. I also would venture to say because of the sheer number of reported cases, the medical community had been forced to re-evaluate their approach while dealing with patients with complaints of Irritable Bowel Syndrome-like symptoms. I am merely going to express what I personally have concluded about another possible causation for IBS which may be overlooked by the medical profession.

I would like to also toss up for consideration that IBS, with its list of many symptoms, may be a traceable progression of symptoms stemming from a single causation. I believe, in my case, this is a very valid assumption. I have as yet been unable to get any physician to agree with me, at least to the point of taking up the position on the record.

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The symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) vary from person to person. The most common symptoms of IBS are bowel dysfunction accompanied by abdominal discomfort or pain. If this pain or discomfort lasts for around 12 weeks (even if it is non-consecutive) in a period of 12 months then it is an indication of IBS.

As abdominal pain may be caused by a number of other disorders, so one should not jump to conclusions immediately. Remember that the pain caused by IBS is relieved by a bowel movement, and the color of the stool also changes.

Some IBS patients suffer from constipation, while others may have diarrhea. As IBS affects colon movements so either it becomes very difficult to pass the stool, or the colon spasms push the stool too fast. Many patients suffer from alternating diarrhea and constipation. Bloating is another common symptom of IBS. It refers to the building up of gas in intestines. The result is that the patient feels pressure in his or her abdomen.

There are certain mental and emotional symptoms associated with IBS. The patients suffering from IBS often experience depression, anxiety, insomnia and panic. However, this does not mean that IBS is a psychiatric problem.

The latest research has re-emphasized the fact that there is a strong relation between the gut and the brain, as both of them have a number of common chemical messengers. So a disturbance in the function of one is likely to affect the function of other. Thus, certain mental symptoms are associated with IBS. If you experience a sudden change in the frequency of stools that continues over a long period of time, then it is time to go to your doctor and get yourself checked for a stomach disorder; it may be IBS.

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Irritable bowel syndrome is a frequently diagnosed condition in this country. Approximately 10 to 20% of people have this condition. Women account for almost 70% of this group. This condition causes explosive diarrhoea, constipation and abdominal pain as well as other symptoms. There is no cure for irritable bowel syndrome so one of the best and easiest ways to treat this condition is through the irritable bowel syndrome diet.

The irritable bowel syndrome diet helps to alleviate the symptoms of IBS. It may not completely cure the condition but it will space the attacks out so they are not as frequent. One of the main things that need to be removed from your diet as much as possible is high fat foods. Fat causes a violent reaction in the colon which can cause either constipation or violent diarrhoea.

It can either cause the colon to freeze up causing constipation, or cause it to contract spastically which will cause diarrhoea. Other areas you may want to cut back on are coffee, chocolate, alcohol, carbonated drinks, and caffeine as they are all either stimulants or irritants, and therefore, they cause your GI tract to either be stimulated or irritated which can cause an attack. The irritable bowel syndrome diet concentrates on eating healthy foods to reduce your symptoms as there is no cure for IBS.

The irritable bowel syndrome diet also suggests eating either small, frequent meals, or eating smaller portions of your three meals. Large, fat filled meals only serve to irritate your stomach and cause stomach pain, diarrhoea or constipation. Healthy and conscientious eating should be your main goal. Fruits, vegetables, lean meat and whole grain breads will help your stomach to stay on a balanced plane so that you will not have as many flare-ups.

Some physicians suggest adding fiber to your irritable bowel syndrome diet to reduce symptoms. Fiber such as apples, peaches, raw broccoli and carrots, cabbage, and peas as well as kidney and lima beans and whole-grain breads and cereals will round out your diet. Eat the fiber first when your stomach is empty to help reduce the symptoms. You may be thinking that there is no way you can follow the irritable bowel syndrome diet but once you learn what you can and cannot eat then you will be able to reduce your symptoms and learn your "triggers."

All in all, the irritable bowel syndrome diet is about eating healthy. If you make the effort to stay away from "trigger foods" and to eat small portioned, healthy, and low fat meals then hopefully there will be a decrease in your symptoms. This does not mean you have to stay away from restaurants or eating what you want to follow the irritable bowel syndrome diet it just means you need to make smarter choices to keep from having as many attacks. It is up to you and your stomach!

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IBS is a functional disorder, which means that the condition is related to how the bowel works/ functions. It is not a life threatening condition, although at some points it can feel that way.

It is not a disease, it cannot spread to other parts of the body, nor is it damaging the intestines in any way.

In fact, children with IBS will generally grow up with no developmental issues, in terms of physical growth or mental capability.

The symptoms of IBS include abdominal discomfort (pain, and distension), either constipation or diarrhea – or alternating between the two. Generally a person will be more predisposed to either constipation or diarrhea, but they can just as easily switch back and forth.

It is a common disorder, and becoming more common every year. Physicians will diagnose it after tests have taken place to rule out other conditions that could be causing the symptoms, as there are no physical signs of IBS.

The symptoms of IBS are similar to those that can be shown by other conditions, and so these have to be eliminated from the diagnosis first.

Irritable bowel syndrome will generally not worsen over time and is not life-threatening. It will not progress or lead to other diseases although there is some evidence that it may in some people stem from an underlying disease or parasite infestation.

Generally, although IBS can effect the quality of someone’s life, it is not a condition that will lead on to more severe problems.

The exact cause of irritable bowel syndrome is unknown. Some theories point to trigger foods or conditions being the main reasons for a flare up.

Other theories suggest hormonal imbalances or miscommunication between the brain and the gut affecting the contractions in the gastrointestinal area.

Another theory identifies the relationship between the disorder and psychological and emotional stresses which may worsen a patient’s current state.

One in five people are believed to have IBS, and women are three times more at risk for developing the disorder compared to men and certain drugs have been tested and approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) which may help alleviate some of the symptoms.

Aside from being female, individuals can be placed at more risk if they are younger than thirty-five years old, have African ancestry, experience psychological or emotional trauma and abuse and a family history of irritable bowel syndrome.

Several links have been identified associating the disorder with stress and genetic predisposition that can aggravate an existing condition or put a person more at risk for developing it.

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It is noted that certain food and drinks, and everyday stresses of life, give some sudden, alternating bouts of constipation,diarrhea and abdominal pain. The pain is generally relieved by defecating or reduced by other triggers of gut motility. Patients generally feel no pain, however, when they are asleep. The symptoms of IBS usually start in adolescence. There are times, however, that you get all three symptoms at exactly the same time.

Most physicians and medical analysts agree that irritable bowel syndrome could be second only to the common cold as the most widespread and usual medical complaint of Americans. IBS is generally described as a functional condition, since there is no real diseased tissue at the time when the symptoms are occurring. IBS usually involves the muscular organs of the gastrointestinal tract; stomach, small intestine, the esophagus, gallbladder, and colon.

The "functional" term basically refers to the fact that either the muscles of the

digestive system, or the nerves that control these organs, do not work properly. As a result, the digestive system does not work normally. The nerves that control the organs include, not only the nerves within the muscles of the organs, but also the nerves of the spinal cord and brain.

The role of hormones in IBS has not yet been fully analyzed and understood. Menstruation frequently exacerbates or triggers IBS symptoms, while pregnancy and menopause do either worsen or improve conditions. It is widely believed that hormone replacement therapy is associated with an increased risk of developing IBS

Stress is a major factor, and meditation helps

According to psychiatrists and gastroenterologists, there is an established connection between stress and an irritable bowel. During flare-ups of abdominal pain and cramping, it is important to take a deep breath and relax. Doing anything you can to help yourself unwind should be of great help in alleviating your symptoms. You can also benefit from a couple of relaxation methods, such as meditation, self-hypnosis, or biofeedback.

If the stresses you feel are particularly problematic, you could consider trying psychological counseling. The important thing is to find out what works well for you. Stress, panic attacks, tension and negative emotions are silent killers, they slowly erode your cognitive, psychological, as well as physical strength. As you do all you could to decrease the negative force you feel, through meditation, you should begin to experience a profound positive effect on your physical health, ranging from increased vitality to a greater, healthier sense of well being.

Individuals with irritable bowel syndrome have an erratic intestinal system that overreacts to food, stress, and hormonal changes. Most analysts see irritable bowel as a built-in barometer, and a person could denote it as a gauge for overheating stress, or use it to help one determine what things, or problems in your life are affecting you most. Meditating often helps an individual assess himself, makes a person think and act properly without having to panic or lose the sense of control, and gain the ability to take the stresses in stride.

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There are various ways you can reduce or even cure your IBS with natural remedies. Here are some things to try out to reduce the discomfort of irritable bowel syndrome.

1. Ditch the artificial sweeteners

Whilst this may not be classed as a traditional "remedy" it’s certainly worth doing. Artificial sweeteners are used all over and have been shown to cause gas and bloating. As you would expect, they are used in lots of diet products including soft drinks and other low calorie foods. But you need to check the ingredients list as they are also used in potato chips, toothpaste, mouth wash, chewing gum and a myriad of other products. Watch out for Sorbitol, Aspartame, Xylitol and other sugar substitutes. If there is no ingredients list, move on to the next product (if it’s your favorite product, check the manufacturer’s website for more information).

2. Eat more fiber

Especially soluble fiber. This will help your bowels to move more naturally which in turn should reduce their irritability. If you follow the current recommendations of eating more fruit and vegetables, you’ll be on your way. Just make sure that they have suffered little if any processing. This means eating real fruit, not drinking juice or smoothies. Ideally your vegetables should be steamed or oven cooked rather than deep fried. So that means cutting down on the french fries. Sorry!

3. Get more friendly bacteria

It’s not just an advertising gimmick. You can get probiotic drinks that you keep in the refrigerator and drink one a day. Or you can get a pot of Acidophilus from your local health food shop and keep that cool instead. Go for the highest strength available for maximum benefit.

4. Try peppermint tea

Peppermint has been used since ancient times to help with healing your digestive system. Brew a cup of peppermint tea instead of automatically reaching for coffee the next time you want a hot drink. It’s a refreshing drink as well as helping your digestion.

5. De-stress your life

Stress is one of the major causes of IBS. Whilst modern western life seems to breed stress, there are ways of at least reducing it and they are well worth exploring. Treat yourself to some "you" time. Put on a favorite song or listen to one of the many purpose made relaxation MP3s available. If you can spare the time, investigate taking a local yoga class. Or look into one of the newer meditation methods that do almost all the hard work of meditation for you, leaving you free to relax and enjoy the experience rather than concentrating on a candle or a mantra.

6. Cut down on the caffeine

Caffeine can be a contributor to your IBS. Trouble is, it’s quite an addictive drug. Which means that if you are used to drinking lots of coffee every day, you may need to reduce the amount you’re drinking over a week or two, rather than cut it out completely overnight. Decaffeinated coffee has improved and almost tastes the same as regular. Just be careful to check how the coffee you change to has its caffeine removed as the chemicals in some of the processes can add their own issues.

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You need to avoid buying any foods that trigger your IBS symptoms. In case you are wondering if this means that there is hardly anything to shop for due to a restrictive diet, it is not as bad as it sounds.

There are food substitutions that you can use for most IBS triggers. For example, you may find it better to replace red meats with fish for easier digestion. If you find that eggs or dairy are worsening your condition, then buy egg substitute or soy products. Coffee and alcohol may also be triggers so you may wish to strike off these items from your grocery list.

When shopping, it is best to use your common sense and not buy the foods than to have painful and uncomfortable consequences later. For many IBS sufferers, just managing their diet alone can help keep IBS symptoms at bay.

Adding high fiber products to your diet is also something else that you can consider. Many different breads, grains, fruits, and vegetables are full of fiber. If you do not regularly eat high-fiber foods then you can take a fiber supplement. However, if you are having diarrhea symptoms, then you should reduce your fiber consumption. You will need to balance and manage your fiber intake accordingly. You can work many of the high fiber foods into your regular menu for the entire family.

Your meals after preparation can also be just as delicious. There are plenty of recipes especially for IBS sufferers that are available on the internet or in the bookstore. These recipes list ingredients that are not known to cause IBS symptoms.

You can drink teas to help relieve your IBS symptoms, as well. The two most common teas used for digestive symptoms are peppermint and fennel tea. These are both very effective for stomach pain and spasms. They also help with relaxation, which is a great benefit for IBS sufferers. These teas can be purchased in bag form or as loose tea leaves. Seep the tea at least once or twice every day. It is also possible to find these items in capsules if you do not like teas. You can buy these capsules at your local health and vitamin store.

Being careful about what you buy when you are shopping can be helpful to reducing your IBS symptoms. IBS does not mean that you have to stop eating delicious food but you do have to use some good sense. Your diet may sound restrictive but it is definitely healthier and will allow you to cope with your symptoms much better.

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Because irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a condition that almost defies diagnosis due to the unusually wide range of symptoms and treatments, the most common sense way of dealing with it is with laxatives. A laxative can be easily defined as a medication that increases bowel function. Laxatives can be broken down into four major categories: fiber, osmotic laxatives, stimulant laxatives and emollients. Since there is no known cure for IBS and treatment for the disease is aimed solely at treating symptoms, many sufferers have to combine two or more forms of treatment.

A steep increase in dietary fiber in a patient’s diet is the most common prescription for dealing with IBS-C. As stated above, however, this doesn’t work for everyone. For those who do experience relief with the use of fiber, studies have shown that fiber helps IBS-C sufferers by helping to ease stool passage and increasing overall satisfaction with bowel movements, but does not help in the ease of pain.

Fiber is not without it’s side effects, either. Increases of flatulence, distension and bloating can lead to a low number of suffers agreeing to fiber treatment, especially during the first few weeks when side effects are at their highest. Studies of IBS patients have shown that the minimum increase in a patients diet for effective use is 12 grams of fiber per day.

As treatment continues, the amount of fiber prescribed increases to 20 or even 25 grams per day over several weeks. To start with, foods rich in dietary fiber should be increased. For patients that do not respond to natural increases in fiber, a second option is the introduction of over the counter fiber supplements into the diet is recommended. If your doctor has decided that an increase in fiber isn’t right for you, other options such as osmotic laxatives and then later stimulant laxatives can be tried. Stimulant laxatives are seen as a last resort because they have the potential for abuse.

Osmotic laxatives are defined as substances that cause an influx of water into the small intestine and colon, helping to clean you out. When used, they begin working in 1-2 days. The most commonly prescribed osmotics are magnesium and phosphate. When taken, the laxatives are only partially absorbed by the small intestine, the leftovers allow water to be pushed into the area and cleansing takes place. But these are not without side effects. Bloating, cramping and flatulence are common with the use of osmotics.

As is the case with every laxative, the concern that the user isn’t absorbing nutrients and is just passing them is valid. When used in excess, osmotics can cause severe diarrhoea and dehydration. Those patients that suffer from kidney or heart disease can suffer even more extreme side effects, such as water volume overload and electrolyte disorders.

Stimulant laxatives should be used only as a last resort. They directly stimulate the nerves in the large intestine and hamper absorption of water. They take effect within hours. The most well known stimulant laxative is castor oil, which can cause severe cramps and diarrhoea.

Emollients can be broken down into two categories, docusates and mineral oil. Docusates allow extra water to enter the stool, thereby making is softer. Mineral oil coats the stool, therefore not allowing water to leave it. Both are effective ways to help IBS-C suffers who are helped by laxatives.

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Digestion occurs in four stages beginning with the mouth, stomach, small intestine and large intestine.

Mouth

There are two actions that take place when you put food in your mouth. One is to start breaking down food by chewing. While you are chewing saliva further breaks down food because of the enzyme amylase. Not chewing your food enough causes strain on the stomach to break down larger chunks.

Stomach

The stomach produces about 3 quarts of acid per day. This in combination with enzymes further breaks down the food. It is in the stomach that proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals are processed for nutrient absorption. The hydrochloric acid also kills off viruses and bacteria.

Small Intestine

The pancreas, which releases enzymes, and the gallbladder, which releases bile salts, assist the small intestine in further breakdown. It is in the small intestine that most of the nutrient absorption takes place. Unfortunately, today’s poor diets from over processed foods, pollutants in our agriculture and misinformation, has created a nation susceptible to poor health and disease. Long term poor diet results in the body literally starving for nutrients while we gain unwanted weight, fatigue and immune system difficulties.

Large Intestine

The large intestine takes the remaining mass and absorbs water, electrolytes and some left over nutrients. The indigestible mass remains until it can be excreted.

What Can Go Wrong

Most everyone has experienced diarrhea or constipation in their lives and someone who is in relatively good condition will find this to be temporary. Diarrhea is when the muscles in the intestines move the mass along too quickly and there is not enough time for the water to be absorbed in the system. This is why doctors get concerned about dehydration. The opposite is true for constipation where the waste moves along very slowly so the water gets absorbed and the waste hardens making it difficult to excrete.

There are several conditions that cause havoc in the intestines that can cause poor health.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome or IBS, is where the muscles in the colon are not working properly. This can cause constipation or diarrhea, bloating and cramping, a very uncomfortable condition.

Colitis is a chronic inflammation of the intestines where the top layer of lining of the intestinal wall can be damaged and ulcers occur. This causes diarrhea, abdominal pain and possible bleeding. Ulcerative Colitis can be difficult to diagnose because it is similar to IBS and Crohns disease.

Crohns disease mainly affects the small intestine but can affect any part of the digestive system including the mouth and stomach. This disease causes inflammation even deeper in the intestinal lining.

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Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a disorder of the large bowel better known in medical circles as colon. Irritable bowel syndrome is not a disease. It can be defined as functional disorder, meaning that certain organs do not function correctly. IBS is a health condition when the bowel overreacts even to a mild stimulus, such as eating or the presence of gas. The nerves and muscles in the bowel appear to be extra sensitive in people with IBS. Muscles may contract too much when you eat. Some of the major symptoms of IBS are acute abdominal pain, flatulence, irregular bowel movements, white color mucus in the stool, persistent urge to move bowels, diarrhea and/or constipation, occasionally heartburn, nausea and vomiting.

Women with IBS often have more pronounced symptoms during their menstrual periods. IBS generally occurs in persons between their 20s and 30s, and is said to affect more women than men and the intensity of the problem also varies from patient to patient. But IBS does not damage the colon or other parts of the digestive system nor does it lead to other health problems.

IBS is due to an abnormal, exaggerated response of the muscles of the intestinal walls. It is not clear why some people develop the disorder. Doctors believe there could be a number of factors that may cause IBS - like dietary, psychological, hormonal and genetic factors. There are no prescribed medical tests to determine irritable bowl syndrome. Doctors generally diagnose IBS on the basis of the patient’s symptoms and after ruling out various other disorders - such as colon cancer and other abdominal diseases. Diagnostic tests that may be done to rule out other abdominal disorders include blood tests, stool analysis, x-ray and endoscopy. Treatment for IBS is subject to the intensity of the problem and the degree of symptoms. Some patients may find consuming particular foods as the cause of their IBS and to such patients, some sort of diet control will help to control the symptoms.

Adopting a high-fiber diet including fruit and green vegetables, whole-grain breads and cereals will soften the stools and relieve constipation. Avoiding tea and coffee and spicy food and drinking 6-8 glasses of water a day is found to relieve symptoms. Having proper foods and supplements, substituting milk products with soya or rice products, avoiding fresh fruits and vegetables that are high in insoluble fiber and eating frequently smaller quantities of food, can all help to lessen the symptoms of IBS.

Many doctors believe that physical stress and mental strain can often aggravate IBS symptoms. They consider stress management should form part of treatment. This can entail counseling, stress reduction and relaxation therapies, some simple exercises and adequate sleep. For some, mere dietary and lifestyle changes may not be enough to get rid of symptoms and medical treatment may become necessary. Generally anti-spasmodic drugs are prescribed by doctors to lessen the involuntary muscular contractions. This will also help to stop diarrhoea and relieve pain. The doctor may advise you to take mild laxatives if you are suffering from constipation or have difficulties in moving bowels.

The use of antispasmodic drugs may help patients, especially those with cramps or diarrhea. Antispasmodics are of two groups- neurotropics and musculotropics. Neurotropics, act at the nerve fibre but can also affect other nerves and cause side effects. Musculotropics act directly at the smooth muscle of the gastrointestinal tract, relieving spasm without affecting normal gut motility.

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