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Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Irritable Bowel Syndrome is also known as IBS or spastic colon.
What is IBS?
IBS is a functioning bowel disorder that is generally associated with chronic abdominal discomfort, pain and bloating that is usually relieved with the release of the bowels. The muscle lining of your bowel contracts and squeezes causing heightened sensitivity to gas inside the bowel. Diseases and infections such as celiac disease, mild and parasitic infections, functional chronic constipation, chronic functional abdominal pain and other inflammatory bowel problems can cause similar symptoms to IBS. These conditions should first be ruled out before a diagnosis is given.
Main IBS Symptoms
• Discomfort in the abdomen
• Stomach pain (cramping)
• Bloating and gas
• Constipation
• Diarrhea
Other symptoms of IBS include:
• Excess wind
• Nausea
• Indigestion
• Backache
• Tiredness
• Feeling of fullness
• Bladder problems
• Headache
• Fatigue
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Fibromyalgia
It is unknown what the exact cause of IBS is. Studies show you are more at risk of developing this bowel disorder at a young age and are also more likely to have acid reflux.
Triggers of IBS
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Gastrointestinal infection
• Grief
• Over Growth of intestinal flora
• Post-infection
• Prolonged fever
• Relationship difficulties
• Stress
• Spicy Food
• Tea Coffee
• Fatty foods
• Antibiotics
• Some anti-inflammatory drugs
• Candida infection
• Alcohol
Irritable Bowel Syndrome Diet
Contrary to what some people believe, high fibre, green leafy vegetables, fruits and whole grain foods can actually trigger IBS symptoms. These are known as insoluble foods. Soluble food’s however sooth and regulate the digestive tract and are mainly starch based foods. These foods create a gel like substance that enables food to pass through the bowels in a normal manner which in turn stabilizes intestinal contractions. Soluble foods normalize the bowel function for both constipation and diarrhea.
Eating soluble foods for just two days can make a big difference in IBS symptoms. Combine this with a good soluble fibre such as Metamucil to help improve gut flora. After two days of eating soluble foods you can start adding back small amounts of insoluble fibre. Insoluble foods such as vegetables and fruits should be eaten as soups, smoothies, drinks sauces, breads, and dips instead of eating them whole or raw. Use soluble food as the main part of your meal. Always eat soluble food on an empty stomach first.
Soluble foods Include: Rice, Pasta and noodles, Oatmeal, Barley, Fresh white breads (NOT whole wheat or whole grain)*. Rice cereals, Flour tortillas, Soy, Quinoa, Corn meal, Potatoes, Carrots
Yams, Sweet potatoes, Turnips, Rutabagas, Parsnips, Beets, Squash and pumpkins, Mushrooms, Chestnuts, Avocados (though they do have some fat), Bananas, Applesauce, Mangoes
Papayas (also digestive aids that relieve gas and indigestion)
Natural Treatments That May Be Beneficial For IBS
Prebiotic soluble fiber supplements, peppermint, fennel and chamomile tea, heat therapy, probiotics, calcium, magnesium, acupuncture, psyllium husk powder, photo chlorella, slippery elm
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