IBS: 3 Top FAQs
by Sandra Kim Leong
What is IBS?
About a fifth of all Americans suffer from IBS, or Irritable Bowel Syndrome. This condition is also called spastic colon, functional bowel syndrome, spastic colitis, and spastic colon, but it is still uncomfortable and often embarrassing for the sufferer.
Physicians have classified IBS as a functional disorder, which means that the function of the body is working abnormally, but the cause is unknown. Unfortunately, this also means that it is sometimes difficult to diagnose using simple testing. The reason is that it is not something that can be seen or found by x-rays or blood testing. That sometimes makes it difficult for physicians to definitively diagnose.
IBS symptoms vary according to the patient, but the most common symptoms include nausea, bloating, excessive gas or flatulence, diarrhea, constipation, or abdominal pains or cramping. If you have been having any of these symptoms for a long period of time then you need to schedule a visit with your doctor.
How is IBS diagnosed?
Your doctor can determine if you are suffering from IBS. The doctor will take a complete medical history and will ask you questions about your symptoms. He or she will be most interested in how long you have been having the symptoms, what foods you eat, etc. so if you record the foods you eat and when you have the symptoms you will be able to aid you doctor in his diagnosis. How long you have been having the symptoms is very important. If you have had them for a while, then you most likely have IBS. If they have only just begun then it may be something else. Your doctor may recommend some testing if he cannot come to a definite diagnosis.
Can food cause IBS?
The food that you eat is not the direct source of your IBS, but it can cause your symptoms to worsen. If you eat the wrong foods, you may find that you are experiencing more pain and discomfort so it is important for you to learn which foods trigger your symptoms.
There are several common triggers. These include fatty foods, dairy products, carbonated drinks, caffeine, and alcohol. Until you know for sure what your trigger foods are then you need to try to avoid these types of food.
Keeping a record of the foods you eat, along with your symptoms, will allow you to find a correlation between certain foods and your worsened symptoms. Once you have determined what foods seem to set off your symptoms then you will want to find a way to avoid them. It is a sacrifice, but the other option includes pain, discomfort, and possibly even embarrassment. Weigh the consequences of eating these foods to determine whether they are worth it or not.
Some foods can help IBS. Foods that are rich in fiber can help your IBS symptoms like constipation. These foods include peaches, apples, broccoli, prunes, raisins, and apricots. Researching fiber rich foods for constipation will allow you to find some foods that you enjoy.
On the other hand, if diarrhea is your main IBS symptom, then you should consider adding more starchy food, such as bread, rice, potatoes and pasta. Avoid eating foods that are high in fat. Examples include sausages, butter, oils and any deep fried dishes. Fats stimulate the colon and may worsen symptoms. Also avoid alcohol, coffee, beans, apples, onions and spicy foods such as chilies and curries. You can try eating more live yoghurt. The cultures in live yoghurt helps to digest some of the lactose and ensure that you get enough calcium from other sources.
About the author:
Sandra Kim Leong has previously had severe constipation. She now writes and researches on irritable bowel syndrome. For more information, please visit her site at http://www.ibs-treatment-options.com.