Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) - Diet & Treatment

Also referred to as spastic colon or spastic colitis, irritable bowel syndrome is marked by chronic symptoms of abdominal pain, alternating constipation and diarrhea, and abdominal distention. This disorder is extremely common; 20% of patients, however, never seek medical attention.

Causes

This functional disorder is generally associated with psychological stress; however, it may result from physical factors, such as diverticular disease, ingestion of irritants (coffee, raw fruits or vegetables), lactose intolerance, abuse of laxatives, food poisoning, and colon cancer

Signs and symptoms

The following are the most common symptoms of IBS. However, each individual may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may include:

• crampy abdominal pain
• painful constipation and/or diarrhea.
• alternating constipation and diarrhea
• mucus may be in the bowel movement

Bleeding, fever, weight loss, and persistent, severe pain are not symptoms of IBS, but indicate other problems. The symptoms of IBS may resemble other medical conditions or problems. Always consult your physician for a diagnosis.

Diagnosis

A history and physical examination should be performed. A careful patient history is required to determine contributing psychological factors, such as a recent stressful life change. The diagnosis must also rule out other disorders, such as amebiasis, diverticulitis, colon cancer, and lactose intolerance. Appropriate diagnostic procedures include sigmoidoscopy, colonoscopy, barium enema, rectal biopsy, and stool examination for blood, parasites, and bacteria.

Treatment Info

Therapy aims to relieve symptoms and includes counseling to help the patient understand the relation between stress and his illness. Strict dietary restrictions aren't beneficial, but food irritants should be investigated and the patient instructed to avoid them. Rest and heat applied to the abdomen are helpful, as is judicious use of sedatives (phenobarbital) and antispasmodics (propantheline, diphenoxylate with atropine sulfate). However, with chronic use, the patient may become dependent on these drugs. If the cause of irritable bowel syndrome is chronic laxative abuse, bowel training may help correct the condition.

Alternative Treatments for Irritable Bowel Syndrome

A naturopathic doctor or other appropriately trained health practitioner can perform specific tests to assess the above factors and design a treatment protocol most suitable for the individual.

Fennel seed (Foeniculum vulgare) - Fennel is another herb that is used to relieve spasm of the gastrointestinal tract, feelings of fullness, and flatulence. In Germany, fennel seed is licensed as a standard medical tea for dyspepsia.

Gamma-oryzanol - Gamma-oryzanol is a natural substance isolated from rice bran oil. Studies have shown that it protects the mucus lining of the gastrointestinal tract by regulating nervous system control and exerts anti-oxidant activity. Clinically, gamma-oryzanol has been found to be effective in a broad range of gastrointestinal complaints, including irritable bowel.

Magnesium is a mineral that has been used widely for treating abdominal cramps and constipation. It is obtained naturally from the diet, and is required for many metabolic activities in the body. Absorption of magnesium is reduced by high intake of calcium, alcohol, surgery, diuretics, liver or kidney disease, and oral contraceptive use.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome Diet Information

About 15% of Americans have irritable bowel syndrome, and it is often considered incurable. However, doctors have developed a specific diet to control the symptoms. The idea that a certain diet might help revolves around the notion that certain foods trigger the symptoms. It isn't just one type of food that consistently triggers the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, but a combination of a certain types of foods.

Traditionally any food high in fat, insoluble fiber, caffeine, coffee, and/or alcohol may in fact bring about the symptoms. Most of the aforementioned foods are either stimulants or irritants. Such types of foods often produce violent reactions within your gastro-intestinal system. Such reactions often result in pain, constipation, gas, and bloating.

Drinking six to eight glasses of plain water a day is important, especially if you have diarrhea. Drinking carbonated beverages, such as sodas, may result in gas and cause discomfort. Chewing gum and eating too quickly can lead to swallowing air, which also leads to gas.

Large meals can cause cramping and diarrhea, so eating smaller meals more often, or eating smaller portions, may help IBS symptoms. Eating meals that are low in fat and high in carbohydrates such as pasta, rice, whole-grain breads and cereals (unless you have celiac disease), fruits, and vegetables may help.

Prevention

With knowledge and treatment, you can lead a normal life with IBS. It causes no lasting damage to the colon and it cannot cause other bowel diseases or cancer. You may have IBS all your life, or the symptoms may gradually go away. You can help relieve symptoms by following a healthy diet, getting plenty of exercise, drinking enough water each day, learning stress management techniques, and avoiding the foods that can cause flare-ups for you.