Irritable Bowel Syndrome
It affects 15 to 20 percent of American adults but little is known about its exact causes.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (lBS) can be painful and inconvenient. It is not life-threatening but its symptoms can be embarrassing and can mimic something more serious.
lBS refers to a disturbance in the functioning of the bowel, or gastrointestinal (GI) tract, that causes lower abdominal pain, bloating and changes in bowel habits (such as diarrhea and/or constipation).
Muscle contractions move water and waste materials through the colon. People with lBS have colon muscles and nerves that may be more sensitive than normal, which may cause them to react more strongly at times to ordinary events like eating and stress. This causes a disruption in the normal activity of the colon muscles. This disruption can either speed up the movement of water and waste materials through the colon (resulting in diarrhea) or slow it down (resulting in constipation). Other areas of the GI tract may also be affected.
Symptoms, Triggers and Treatment
Occasionally, everyone may experience one or more of the symptoms listed below. But if you suffer from any of them frequently over a long period of time, consult your doctor.
- Lower abdominal pain often relieved by moving your bowels.
- Variable or abnormal bowel movements (constipation and/or diarrhea).
- Bloating and gas after eating.
- Sensation of not being able to fully empty bowel after movement.
- Mucus in stool.
lBS Triggers
Here's a closer look at some common factors (or triggers) that can aggravate IBS.
Serious Symptoms
The following symptoms may indicate serious health problems and should be discussed with your doctor:
- Rectal bleeding
- Unexplained weight loss
- Persistent severe pain
- Change in usual bowel pattern
Food
Each of us reacts differently to various foods. It's not just spicy or hard-to-digest foods (greasy, fatty stuff) that can irritate our bowel. Cabbage or beans usually produce gas and, In some of us, that's more disruptive. Occasional constipation, a frequent symptom of IBS, Is often relieved by increasing fiber in the daily diet. Experiment with changes in your diet and avoid foods that aggravate your IBS symptoms.
Stress
Experts agree stress is one of the most common IBS triggers. Under stress, your brain sends your colon messages by way of the nervous system that can affect the bowel and often produce IBS symptoms.
Beverages
- Alcohol
- drinks with caffeine like coffee, cola, tea and cocoa can stimulate colon muscles and upset their normal rhythm.
Keeping a log of your symptoms is a good way to pinpoint the triggers that affect you. Be sure to include how you feel, the time of day, what you ate or drank, your stress level, etc. This information helps you and your doctor better understand what worsens your lBS symptoms.
Diagnosis
If you experience symptoms consistent with lBS, see your doctor. He or she will ask about your medical history; bowel habits, your diet and the stresses and strains on your daily life.
Your doctor may perform a physical exam and ask for a stool sample. Your doctor may even suggest x-rays, Sigmoidoscopy or Colonoscopy to look at the colon and rule out a more serious disorder. Your doctor can determine whether you have IBS based on the results.
Treatment/Management
Many people with IBS would be surprised to learn that they can successfully manage their symptoms by making a few lifestyle changes. Here are some tips that can help:
1. Diet
- Avoid foods you know aggravate your symptoms.
- Eat slowly and enjoy your food.
- Eat less (smaller portions) more often.
- Eat more fiber; less fat and drink plenty (six to eight ounce glasses a day) of non-caffeinated fluids. Add fiber gradually to give your body time to adjust.
2. Stress
The first step is to identify the sources of stress in your life and learn to manage them. Some ways to reduce your stress level include the following:
- Exercise (e.g. stretching, walking, yoga, calisthenics).
- Share your feelings with a friend, counselor or clergyman.
- Take time for yourself to relax.
3. Medications
Doctors often recommend over-the-counter fiber laxatives or stool softeners for relief of constipation associated with lBS. Ask your doctor which is best for you. Doctors sometimes may prescribe an anti-spasmodic or other medications.
4. Medical Checkups
Once you seek a doctor's help for IBS, make sure you follow up so he or she can monitor your situation.
Fiber: What you should know
Psyllium fiber added to your diet can help keep you regular by relieving constipation and loose stools. So what is fiber? Fiber is the part of a plant that can't be digested. It adds bulk to keep other foods moving through the digestive system and it holds water which, in turn, softens the stool for easy elimination.
Fiber comes in two different types, both of which are needed for proper bowel function:
1. Soluble fiber forms a gel-like material in water. It helps restore regularity and soften stools. Good sources include oats, beans, peas, many types of fruit and products containing psyllium.
2. Insoluble fiber does not dissolve in water and moves through your digestive system quickly and largely intact. It helps keep you regular by bulking up the stool. Good sources include wheat bran, whole-grain cereals and breads, and many types of vegetables.
Easy ways to increase fiber
Adding fiber to your diet may be easier than you think. Here are some tips that can help you get started:
- Substitute high-fiber foods (whole-grain bread, brown rice, fruits and vegetables) for low-fiber foods (white bread, white rice, candy and chips).
- Try to eat more raw vegetables and fresh fruit, including the skins, when appropriate. Cooking vegetables can reduce their fiber content, and skins are a good source of fiber.
- Fat high-fiber foods at every meal. Bran cereal for breakfast is a good start, but try to include some fruits, vegetables, whole-grains and beans in your diet as well.
Two notes of caution: be sure to increase your fiber intake gradually, giving your body time to adjust; and drink at least six to eight ounce glasses of non-caffeinated fluids a day.
Questions about Fiber
Q: HOW MUCH FIBER DO I NEED EACH DAY?
A: Nutrition experts suggest 2O to35 grams. The average American consumes only 10 to 15 grams.
Q: WHAT ARE THE BEST WAYS TO INCREASE MY FIBER INTAKE?
A: Eat a variety of high-fiber foods throughout the day, replace foods low in fiber content with foods containing higher amounts of fiber and eat plenty of fruits and vegetables.
Q: AT WHAT RATE SHOULD I ADD FIBER TO MY DIET?
A: Gradually. Too much too soon can cause a bloated feeling and abdominal cramps. ft may take several weeks to add the recommended amount of dietary fiber to your diet While you're working on it' be sure to drink plenty of fluids.