Irritable Bowel Syndrome

People with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) have their lives disrupted by abdominal pain with either constipation or diarrhea, and bloating. And they are often frustrated because they cannot control their IBS symptoms with dietary changes or over the counter medications. IBS is found worldwide and it affects men and women of all ages, nationalities, races, and religions. IBS is not a new disorder, although it is now more widely recognized and therefore more frequently diagnosed than it was in the past. Irritable Bowel Syndrome is a terribly frustrating disorder. It’s frustrating because the symptoms are not only painful and unpleasant, but also they are embarrassing and often occur at inopportune moments. Current evidence shows that many people with IBS lead restricted lives in multiple areas: diet, social activities, energy level, and sense of well-being.

Anyone who has experienced the discomfort of IBS needs no convincing about the importance of keeping strict tabs on which food to guard against and which are acceptable. To complicate matters even further, some foods which are taboo during periods of stress can become perfectly enjoyable at normal times, while other foods are forever forbidden because they are likely to trigger symptoms at any time. Different people react differently to different foods. This simple fact may read like a tongue twister, but the problem it states has great significance about what you can and cannot eat. The fundamental idea of eating an IBS diet is to avoid foods that over-stimulate the colon, and eat foods that soothe and regulate it. This is best accomplished by strictly limiting the amounts of dietary fat which is the single most powerful digestive tract stimulant. Also eating soluble fiber consistently with every snack and meal, eliminating coffee, carbonated beverages, alcohol, being very careful with insoluble fiber and avoid overeating by having frequent small meals. It is also important to avoid cigarettes, because tobacco wreaks havoc on the digestive tract.

What foods to avoid and what foods to eat are certainly important and can make a big difference in the way you feel. But they cannot do the job alone, they need help, most particularly in the attitude that you bring to the table, and the eating habits you have developed. Stress, tension, anger and other negative emotions play destructive roles in those that suffer with IBS. Mealtimes must be set aside for relaxed, unhurried eating. No gulping down of half chewed foods. No concentration of thought on work left behind at the office. Relaxing during meals is a cardinal rule, whether you adhere to it or not will reflect how serious you really are about adjusting to a lifestyle that can bring you greater physical comfort. IBS relief requires a bit of work when it comes to dietary planning, but the peace of mind that results from reducing your risk of having any of the IBS symptoms is a powerful motivating force. Realize that you must develop the ingrained habit of thinking carefully about what you will be eating each and every day to eliminate any symptoms of IBS. Make a habit of listening to your body, and try to head off trouble before it becomes severe. IBS is a highly personalized problem. What works for your irritable bowel treatment may not work for others, and vice versa.