Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common disorder of the intestines and can have the following symptoms:
• Cramps
• Gas and bloating
• Constipation
• Diarrhea and loose stools
• Mucus in the stools

IBS may be caused by a combination of stress and high-fat diets. Fatty foods worsen symptoms by increasing the intensity of the contractions in the colon which increases the symptoms. Chocolate and milk products seem to have the most negative effect.

IBS does not involve any inflammation and is actually called a “functional disorder” because it doesn’t have any obvious outward signs of disease. IBS is not the same as colitis, mucous colitis, spastic colon and spastic bowel.

Most people with IBS find that symptoms improve as they learn to control their condition. Only a small number of people with irritable bowel syndrome have severe signs and symptoms.
Fortunately, unlike more-serious intestinal diseases such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, irritable bowel syndrome doesn't cause inflammation or changes in bowel tissue or increase your risk of colorectal cancer. In many cases, you can control irritable bowel syndrome by managing your diet, lifestyle and stress.

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Cramping and diarrhea
Certain foods are known to stimulate gut reactions in general. In those with IBS eating too much of these might bring about or worsen symptoms. For example symptoms of abdominal cramps and diarrhea might be brought on by...
• Meals that are too large or high in fat
• Fried foods
• Coffee
• Caffeine
• Alcohol
• Eating too much of some types of sugar that are poorly absorbed by the bowel can also cause cramping or diarrhea. Examples include…
• Sorbitol – commonly used as a sweetener in many dietetic foods, candies, and gums
• Fructose – also used as a sweetener and found naturally in honey as well as some fruits

Gas and bloating
Some foods are gas producing. Eating too much may cause increased gaseousness. This is especially true since IBS can be associated with retention of gas and bloating. Examples include…
• Beans
• Cabbage
• Legumes (like peas, peanuts, soybeans)
• Cauliflower
• Broccoli
• Lentils
• Brussels sprouts
• Raisins
• Onions
• Bagels

Fiber
If fiber seems to be a problem, it is usually insoluble fiber (mainly found in cereals or whole grains) that is the offender. Soluble fiber, mainly found in fruits and vegetables, is less likely to be a problem. When adding fiber to the diet, it is best to do so slowly over a period of weeks. This helps avoid discomfort. If gas or distention occur, try reducing the amount of fiber and reducing consumption of gas-producing foods. For more on dietary fiber Go ».


What to do about diet
The influence of diet is unique to each person. There is no generalized dietary advice that will work for everyone. A physician can take a brief dietary history and help identify dietary and/or other factors that may impact symptoms. Keeping a diary for 2–3 weeks of dietary intake, symptoms, and any associated factors (like daily obligations, stressors, poor sleep, medications) can help with this. For those with IBS who benefit from simple dietary modifications, it makes sense to adjust the diet and reduce intake of the offending food. It does not make sense to adopt unnecessarily limited diets. This can lead to reduced quality of life or even malnutrition.
Doctors and patients need to talk about diet. Guidance needs to be provided by a knowledgeable health care professional (like a physician or registered dietician). They can assess individual circumstances affecting IBS, while helping make sure that nutritional needs are being met through a balanced diet, and healthy eating habits.

More information can be found at the following web site: http://www.aboutibs.org/