Irritable Bowel Syndrome or IBS

Learn About IBS or Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Irritable Bowel Syndrome, or better known as IBS, is a disorder with symtoms such as bloating, gas, change in bowel function, such as loose or more frequent and/or hard stools. Diarrhea (that is sometimes uncontrollable), abdominal pain, cramping, and discomfort throughout your body.

IBS affects about 15% or more of the population. Many others may have it, but unaware of what it is.

Many times Irritable Bowel Syndrome is referred to as a nervous stomach, systic colon, irritable colon or spastic colitis. Symptoms usually result from a irritation that goes from the brain to the intestines which alters the functioning of the bowels. An attack can be initiated by emotional stress, tension, anxiety, certain foods and some medications.

I have suffered with this disorder for the past 10 years. The symptoms can be almost debilitating. Some people have problems with either the constipation or the diarrhea, but I suffer with both.

Do you fear getting in situations where a bathroom won't be close by? I do. Most of the time I don't like to get in situations where I won't have easy access to a bathroom for fear of when the diarrhea symptoms might occur. Taking a trip is usually a frightening experience for me. Riding on a bus such as with a tour, a field trip with my class at school or a group with my church scares me to death and is something I try to avoid whenever possible. I want to be in control of when and where I can make a bathroom stop.

This has been very frustrating for me. I don't like being afraid of "what might happen."

With the constipation I always have pains thyroughout my back, sides and down one of my the need to have a bowel movement, but can't for 2 or 3 days. The bloating and stomach cramps usually follow which make me feel miserable!

With all this in mind I began to do quite a bit of research on ways to help control or even alliviate the problem of IBS and decided to share what I have learned with others.

**Let's look at some Home Remedies that Help IBS Symptoms:**

Yogurt- Eat at least 1 cup every day. Be sure it says "live active cultures" which contains the probiotic Acidophilus. This helps the healthy gut bacteria grow while killing the bad.

Chamomile- This acts as an anti-spasmotic which helps the digestive system to settle. I find drinking chamomile tea really helps to soothe my stomach and as an added perk, it helps you to fall asleep at night.

Evening Primrose Oil- Known to help improve symptoms, especially during a woman's menstrual cycle, because essential fatty acids are necessary for the growth and development of the body.

Peppermint Oil- Because of the anti-spasmotic action it can help reduce spasms in the colon. Try drinking peppermint tea or sucking on the mints to help relieve pain, such as gas, or to encourage a bowel movement.

Water- Making sure that you drink plenty of water, at least 8 glasses, a day is essential in keeping the colon lubricated and the digestive tract working properly. Water also helps to soften the stool.

Fiber- Eating whole grains, wheat bran, legumes (dried beans, split peas, etc.), fruits and seeds will make your stool bulkier and help it move through the intestines quicker. Be sure to add more fiber to your diet gradually. Too much, too soon can cause problems, such as constipation.

IBS is one the most common disorders diagnosed by doctors, especially gastroenterologists (ones who specialize in disorders of the stomach and intestines)and by primary care physicians.

The symptoms are real, but there is help. Don't get discouraged; get informed. One of the most important things to remember is that IBS can lead to diverticulitis, if left untreated.

Try some or all of the remedies suggested above. Give them time to work then if all else fails... see your doctor.

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A Remedy To Remember: �Bless the Lord...And forget not all His benefits: Who forgives all your iniquities, Who heals all yours diseases." Psalm 103:2-3