What is IBS?

Irritable Bowel Syndrome, or IBS, is an intestinal disorder.  The disorder consists of a collection of chronic symptoms that include cramping, abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea and constipation.  These symptoms are unpredictable and range in severity from mild inconvenience to severe debilitation.  IBS symptoms are also chronic, meaning that they can last for a rather long period of time when they do show up.  IBS, or "spastic colon" as it is called in some circles, does not cause long term damage to the digestive system.   

Doctors have been unable to find the root cause of IBS despite over 200 years of research.  The medical community has agreed that the condition is genetic although they still have not found the gene.  IBS is as much today as it was 200 years ago, the medical mystery.

IBS is diagnosed through a process of elimination.  Doctors must first rule out a litany of conditions including; Crohn's disease, Ulcerative colitis, Celiac disease, fever and malnutrition to name a few.  Once all the other possible conditions are ruled,out, IBS is usually diagnosed.  There are no specific markers of this condition and there is no cure. People who have IBS learn the best ways to  manage their condition to allow them a full and eventful life.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): triggers

There is no cure for IBS, only management of the symptoms.  Symptoms are largely managed by reducing the exposure to the "triggers" that set off IBS episodes.  IBS triggers range broadly and include; diet choices, stress levels, prescription & over the counter drugs, menstruation and even the speed in which one eats.  By identifying and reducing exposure to these triggers, people with IBS can significantly reduce their chances of experiencing flare-ups and episodes.

Diet

Identification of these triggers is the most important part living with IBS.  Keeping a food diary is a great way of tracking and identifying problem foods.  Diet solutions for IBS are highly individualized but reading up on common IBS triggers could help to identify personal triggers quicker.

Eating smaller portions of food, drinking water before and after meals but not during and eating a fair amount of fiber are some dietary controls that people employ to better identify their triggers.

FODMAPS (Fermentable Oligo-, Di-, and Monosaccharides And Polyolsis) is an acronym that describes a group of carbohydrates in food.  This group includes milk, fruit, honey, wheat, onions garlic and beans.  All of these foods are sometimes poorly absorbed by the small intestines, can produce gas and have a tendency to hold excess fluid while in the large intestine.

Because FODMAPS have such a reputation for causing problems in the digestive tract, they are normally the first things doctors and registered dietitians target for elimination from an IBS sufferers diet.  These FODMAPS are many times the very dietary triggers that can set off a episode of IBS.

In addition to what you eat, how you eat may play a role in triggering IBS symtoms.  Eating too fast, eating foods with extreme temperatures, eating while working and even chewing gum have been noted to set of IBS episodes.

Stress

Anxiety is another common trigger for IBS episodes. The brain and the digestive system are directly linked by a super highway of nerves.  This dense corridor of nerves is the reason why symptoms of stress are usually displayed in our stomach area.  Experiencing "butterflies" in the stomach, loss of appetite, gas and diarrhea can all be manifestations of stress in most people as well as IBS sufferers.  People with IBS may sufferer doubly from the symptoms of stress then by the symptoms of IBS. 

A study of diagnostic interviews conducted by doctors showed that about 60% of IBS patients actually qualify for one or more psychiatric disorders, the most common being general anxiety disorder.  Approximately 20% of IBS patients were clinically depressed.

While the medical community still doesn't have the answers on IBS, they have developed a few theories over the years.  One theory is that while anxiety doesn't cause IBS, people with IBS are much more sensitive to stress.  The second theory is that IBS may be triggered by the immune system in response to stress.  This is why it is important for people with IBS to develop ways of dealing with stress.

Exercise is beneficial component of lifestyle balance for people suffering from GI disorders.  In addition to reducing stress, exercise helps to maintain a healthy body weight which also helps to ease digestive activities in the body. 

Behavioral therapy can also help people to better handle the weight of stressful situations.  Teaching your mind how to react under stress and developing good stress management habits is the best way to control future IBS symptoms and flare-ups.
Doctors believe that two-thirds of IBS patients can control their symptoms through diet and medication but the final third would benefit from psychological help. Behavioral therapy has show real success and can come in the form of normal therapy sessions, support groups of through self-help.

Medication 

Some prescribed drugs have been known to cause spasms in the colon and IBS symptoms.   Antibiotics, Antidepressants, and medicines that contain sorbitol are the leading culprits among medications.  Doctors will normally find a replacement if a medication is found to give problems.

Natural supplements for  IBS symptoms

Sometimes you can help your IBS symtoms without having to resort to heavy medication.  There are some natural ways to treat the symptoms, depending on the severity on the condition.

 Probiotics

Probiotics are the "good bacteria" normally found in the digestive tract that help to keeps a healthy balance between the organisms in the digestive systems.  Probiotics are found in yogurt but can also be taken in supplement form.  Probiotics help to stop general diarrhea, diarrhea cause by antibiotics, and helps to prevent uninary tract and vaginal infections.

 Zeolite supplements (for IBS-D)

Micronized zeolite powder has been show to help stop and prevent diarrhea.  Zeolite is a volcanic mineral that has detoxifying qualities.  Zeolite diarrhea supplement help to pull toxins out of the digestive tract and return users to a more regular stool.  Zeolite diarrhea supplement can also be used as a preventative for diarrhea.  Just take recommended dose with each meal.

Fiber Supplements  (Psyllium)

Quck facts about IBS

10-15% of the US population suffers from IBS

IBS has no cure, only treatment of the symptoms

IBS treatments are not universal.

20-40% of gastroenterologist visits are because of IBS

What exercises should I do?

Keys to exercising for people with IBS

1. Don't eat meals before exercising, only small snacks

2. Choose  a low impact exercise (yoga, pilates)

3.  Know where a bathroom is at all times

4.  Clear your mind of distraction to optimized relaxation

5. Time your workout sessions to times when intestines are least active

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