What is irritable bowel syndrome?
Irritable bowel syndrome is one of the most common diagnosis of our times. It is huge, it’s said at least 15% of the global population suffers from IBS – with more women suffering from it than men.
IBS is a common gastrointestinal disorder recognized by an abnormal condition of gut contractions (motility) and increased gut sensations (visceral hypersensitivity) characterized by abdominal pain, discomfort, gas, bloating, mucous in stools, irregular bowel habits with constipation and/or diarrhea or alternating diarrhea and constipation. Symptoms tend to be chronic, intermittent, and they may wax and wane over the years.
The Merck Manual puts it like this: “Irritable bowel syndrome is characterized by abdominal discomfort or pain that is accompanied by at least two of the following: relief by defecation, change in frequency of stool, or change in consistency of stool. The cause is unknown, and the pathology is incompletely understood. Diagnosis is clinical. Treatment is symptomatic and consisting of dietary management and drugs, including anticholinergea and agents active at serotonin receptors.”
In brief, IBS sufferers are advised to eat a diet rich in fibre and avoid caffeine, milk products and sweeteners, exercise, learn relaxation techniques and take prescribed medication. Their diet should comprise of food like rice, carrots, olive oil, apples, flaxseeds, pollen and they should stay away from cocoa, hot spices, sugar, fizzy drinks, alcohol, caffeine.