Irritable Bowel
What is irritable bowel syndrome?
Irritable Bowel Syndrome is the most common functional disorder of the gastrointestinal tract. It is a problem that leads to stomach pains or cramps that are often relieved by having a bowel movement. The cause of IBS is largely unknown. IBS is an inconvenient and uncomfortable condition, but it is not harmful.
Symptoms
Individuals with IBS often have problems with constipation, diarrhoea, or both. There may be an urgent need to move the bowels, especially in times of stress. Other symptoms include gas, bloating, or mucus in the stools.
Diagnosis
A GP or specialist will rule out other conditions. Laboratory tests may be ordered.
Factors that may exacerbate IBS include:
- Some foods
- Gut infections
- Possibly antibiotic use
- Stress and anxiety
All of the above factors can be made more potent if associated with high levels of stress and anxiety. Relaxation and stress management have proven useful for some individuals with IBS.
Treatment
For some individual's IBS is made worse by certain foods.
Some dietary factors that may increase symptoms are:
- Lactose, fructose, sorbitol malabsorption (sorbitol is found in some diet products)
- Caffeine
- Alcohol
- Fatty foods
- Foods allergens
- Legumes
If you suspect that a food item may be linked to your episodes of IBS, then remove it from your diet for 2 weeks. Re-introduce the food item back into your diet and note any symptoms. This is known as elimination and reintroduction. It is important to use this procedure, as you do not want to unnecessarily remove food items from your diet. These foods may be supplying you with important nutrients.
Keeping a food diary can help you to see if there are any foods that are making your symptoms
worse.
Adding fibre to your diet can sometimes be helpful, particularly for constipation. Soluble fibre (e.g. found in oat bran) and psyllium-containing products (e.g. Metamucil) can help diarrhoea and constipation. | 
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