By: Richard Bleuze
IBS - What Is It? Irritable Bowel Syndrome? Spastic Colon?
IBS, or Irritable Bowel Syndrome (also known as spastic colon) is a condition that afflicts up to 20% of the world's population. It is the most common chronic health disorder in America, Canada, the UK, Australia, and New Zealand. Irritable Bowel Syndrome affects more than twice as many women as men, for reasons that are not yet understood. IBS is a physical — not psychological — disorder characterized by lower abdominal pain (spasms or cramps) or discomfort, diarrhea, constipation (or alternating diarrhea & constipation), gas, bloating, and nausea. There is no cure for Irritable Bowel Syndrome, which is actually a brain-gut dysfunction, but there are many very effective ways of controlling and even eliminating IBS symptoms through safe Irritable Bowel Syndrome treatments.
Irritable bowel syndrome, or IBS, is generally classified as a "functional" disorder. This refers to a "disorder of functioning" where the body's normal activities in terms of the movement of the intestines, the sensitivity of the nerves of the intestines, or the way in which the brain controls some of these functions is impaired. However, there are no structural abnormalities that can be seen by endoscopy, x-ray, or blood tests. Thus, it is identified by the characteristics of the symptoms and infrequently, when needed, limited tests.
Irritable bowel syndrome is understood as disorder with many aspects. In people with IBS, symptoms result from what appears to be a disturbance in the interaction between the gut or intestines, the brain, and the autonomic nervous system that alters regulation of bowel motility (motor function) or sensory function.
Irritable bowel syndrome is characterized by a group of symptoms in which abdominal pain or discomfort is associated with a change in bowel pattern, such as loose or more frequent bowel movements or diarrhea, and/or hard or less frequent bowel movements or constipation.
Treatment options are available to manage IBS – whether symptoms are mild, moderate, or severe.
One of the most important therapeutic measures is reassuring the patient that they have no fatal or otherwise threatening disease, because this is the major concern of patients seeking medical help.] Dietary advice may be given and medication is an option in most forms.
What dietary advise is recommended? There are a number of dietary changes a person with IBS can make to prevent the overreaction of the gastrocolic reflex and lessen pain, discomfort, and bowel dysfunction. Having soluble fiber foods and supplements, substituting soy or rice products for milk products, being careful with fresh fruits and vegetables that are high in insoluble fiber, and eating frequent meals of small amounts of food, can all help to lessen the symptoms of IBS. Foods and beverages to be avoided or minimized include red meat, oily or fatty and fried products, milk products, solid chocolate, coffee (both regular and decaffeinated), alcohol, and carbonated beverages.
Finally, you might seek out medications. However, with any medication, even over-the-counter medications such as laxatives and fiber supplements, it is important to follow your doctor’s instructions. Some people report a worsening in abdominal bloating and gas from increased fiber intake, and laxatives can be habit forming if they are used too frequently.
Medications affect people differently, and no one medication or combination of medications will work for everyone with IBS.
I might suggest that you give Bowtrol a try. It is an all natural herbal colon cleansing treatment that has changed hundreds of thousands of people's lives through its gentle and effective whole body safe and effective internal cleansing. Bowtrol is formulated to maximize one's elimination without causing loose stools or uncomfortable cramping via frequent healthy bowel movements while assisting in cleansing the vital organs and lymphatic system.
