What is irritable bowel syndrome (IBS):

The irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a gastrointestinal disorder which is characterized by lower abdominal pain and disordered defecation with bloating, tenesmus and functional upper gastrointestinal symptoms.

Symptoms of IBS:

Intestinal symptoms of IBS:

• Abdominal pain or discomfort beginning at least 6 months ago, occurring at least 3 days each month in the last 3 months and at least two of the followings are present:

» Pain is relieved by having a bowel movement.

» Pain is linked to a change in the appearance or consistency of your stool.

» Pain is linked to a change in how often you have a bowel movement.

•  Alternate passage of hard and soft stool(Any type can be more than the other).
• Sense of incomplete passage of stool.
• Bloating or a feeling of gas in the intestine
• Passage of mucus in stools.

Non-Intestinal symptoms of IBS:

• Sleeping problems (insomnia) not caused by symptoms of IBS.
• Anxiety or depression
• Unpleasant taste in the mouth.
• Backache.
• Pain during sex or reduced sexual desire.
• Palpitations
• Urinary frequency or urgency, trouble in starting the urine stream)
• Headache
• Fatigue.

How to control IBS:

Behavioral changes:

• Don’t suppress urges to defecate. When the urge comes, find a toilet.
• Avoid stress
• Increase your level of physical activity
• Have Cognitive Behavioral Therapy(CBT) in which you will be taught strategies for modifying maladaptive thinking patterns and new behaviors for managing anxiety and handling stressful conditions.
• Get Hypnotherapy in which there is induction of a relaxing and comfortable state of consciousness where specific suggestions are offered in order to achieve a permanent change in behavior.

Diet in IBS:

• Try to find out the foods causing problem in you and eliminate those foods from your diet
• Increase soluble fiber( Present in Apples, Barley, Citrus fruits, Strawberries, Carrots, Guar,Legumes) for diarrhea-predominant IBS and insoluble fiber( Present in Whole- wheat flour, Bran, Vegetables,Whole grains, Mature vegetables,Wheat, Fruits and edible seeds like flax seeds & strawberries) for the treatment of constipation-predominant IBS
• Avoid eating large or fatty meals
• Eat smaller, more frequent meals
• Try to avoid gas-producing vegetables, artificial sweeteners, caffeine in diet in IBS
• Don’t take alcohol
• For constipation-predominant IBS:

¤ Try to eat a large breakfast

¤ Decrease dairy, egg, and meat products to a healthy balance

¤ Increase the amount of water and non-caffeinated beverages.