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Treatment
Many people suffer for many years with IBS before receiving medical treatment for Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Although there is no cure for Irritable Bowel Syndrome, treatment programs can alleviate the symptoms. The treatment for irritable bowel may involve medicine, diet changes or stress relief. Up to 70 percent of people suffering from IBS do not receive treatment or proper care for their symptoms. There are many options available for the treatment of Irritable Bowel Syndrome symptoms. Your doctor will give you the best IBS treatments available for your symptoms and encourage you to manage stress, and make the necessary changes in your diet.
What is the Treatment for Irritable Bowel Syndrome?
Unfortunately, like FIBROMYALGIA syndrome, many people suffer from Irritable Bowel Syndrome for a long time before seeking treatment. Medications affect people differently, and no one medication or combination of medications will work for everyone with IBS. You will need to work with your physician to find the best combination of natural medicine, diet, counseling and support to control your symptoms.
How does Stress affect Irritable Bowel Syndrome - IBS?
Feeling mentally or emotionally tense, troubled, angry or overwhelmed can stimulate colon spasms in people with IBS. The colon has many nerves that connect it to the brain. These nerves control the normal contractions of the colon and cause abdominal discomfort at stressful times. People often experience cramps or “butterflies” when they are nervous or upset. In people with IBS, the colon can be overly responsive to even slight conflict or stress. Stress makes the mind more aware of the sensations that arise in the colon, making the person perceive these sensations as unpleasant.
Some evidence suggests that IBS is affected by the immune system, which fights infection in the body. The immune system is affected by stress. For all these reasons, stress management is an important part of treatment for IBS.
Stress management options include:
♥ stress reduction (relaxation) training and relaxation therapies such as meditation,
counseling and support
♥ regular exercise such as walking or yoga
♥ changes to the stressful situations in your life
♥ adequate sleep
Can Changes in Diet help IBS?
For many people, careful eating reduces IBS symptoms. Before changing your diet, keep a journal noting the foods that seem to cause distress then discuss your findings with your doctor. You may want to consult a registered dietitian who can help you make changes to your diet. For instance, if dairy products cause your symptoms to flare up, you can try eating less of those foods. You might be able to tolerate yogurt better than other dairy products because it contains bacteria that supply the enzyme needed to digest lactose, the sugar found in milk products. Dairy products are an important source of calcium and other nutrients. If you need to avoid dairy products, be sure to get adequate nutrients in the foods you substitute, or take adequate supplements for stress and energy.
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In many cases, dietary fiber may lessen IBS symptoms, particularly constipation. However, it may not help with lowering pain or decreasing diarrhea. Whole grain breads, cereals, fruits and vegetables are good sources of fiber. High-fiber diets keep the colon mildly distended, which may help prevent spasms. Some forms of fiber keep water in the stool, thereby preventing hard stools that are difficult to pass. Physicians and Naturopaths usually recommend a diet with enough fiber to produce soft, painless bowel movements. High-fiber diets may cause gas and bloating, although some people report that these symptoms go away within a few weeks. Increasing your fiber intake by 2 - 3 grams per day will help reduce the risk of increased gas and bloating. Drinking 6 - 8 glasses of water a day is important, especially if you have diarrhea. Drinking carbonated beverages, such as sodas, may result in gas and cause discomfort. Chewing gum and eating too quickly can lead to swallowing air, which also leads to gas.
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Large meals can cause cramping and diarrhea, so eating smaller meals more often may help Irritable Bowel Syndrome symptoms. Eating meals that are low in fat and high in carbohydrates such as pasta, rice, whole-grain breads and cereals (unless you have celiac disease), fruits and vegetables may help.
Is IBS linked to other Diseases?
As the name indicates, it is a syndrome, a combination of signs and symptoms. IBS has not been shown to lead to a serious disease, including cancer. Through the years, IBS has been called by many names, among them colitis, mucous colitis, spastic colon, or spastic bowel. However, no link has been established between IBS and inflammatory bowel diseases such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis.
Important Points about Irritable Bowel Syndrome
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IBS is a disorder that interferes with the normal functions of the colon. The symptoms are crampy abdominal pain, bloating, constipation and diarrhea.
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IBS is a common disorder found more often in women than men.
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People with IBS have colons that are more sensitive and reactive to things that might not bother other people such as stress, large meals, gas, medicines, certain foods, caffeine or alcohol.
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IBS is diagnosed by its signs and symptoms and by the absence of other diseases.
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Most people can control their symptoms by taking alternative medicines, reducing stress and changing their diet.
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IBS does not harm the intestines and does not lead to cancer. It is not related to Crohn’s disease or alcerative colitis.
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Associated Conditions 
