Irritable Bowel Syndrome

IBS

Irritable bowel syndrome, or IBS, is a problem that affects mainly the bowel, which is also called the large intestine. The bowel is the part of the digestive system that makes and stores stool. IBS causes cramping, bloating, gas, diarrhea, and constipation.

IBS is not a disease. It's a functional disorder, which means that the bowel doesn't work as it should. With IBS, the nerves and muscles in the bowel are extra-sensitive. For example, the muscles may contract too much when you eat. These contractions can cause cramping and diarrhea during or shortly after a meal. Or the nerves can be overly sensitive to the stretching of the bowel (because of gas, for example). Cramping or pain can result.

IBS can be painful, but it does not damage the bowel or cause any other diseases.

Symptoms

·  Chronic and frequent diarrhea, usually accompanied by pain

·  Chronic and frequent constipation, usually accompanied by pain

·  Abdominal pain or tenderness

o  Following meals

o  Relieved by bowel movement

o  Intermittent

·  Abdominal fullness, gas, bloating

·  Abdominal distention

·  Nausea and vomiting

·  Loss of appetite

·  Emotional distress

·  Depression

Treatment

IBS has no cure, but you can do things to relieve symptoms.

Some foods make IBS worse.

Foods such as:

·  Fatty foods like french fries

·  Milk products like cheese or ice cream

·  Chocolate

·  Alcohol

·  Caffeine (found in coffee and some sodas)

·  Carbonated sodas

·  “Sugar free” mints and gums containing sorbitol, xylitol, or mannitol

·  Limit foods high in fructose:

*Oranges, apples, dates, pears, and cherries

*High fructose corn syrup

*Honey

·  Eating too much at any time- rather than large meals, eat “mini” meals every 2-3 hours

·  Limit gassy foods such as beans, cabbage, brussel sprouts, and broccoli

Some foods make IBS better.
Fiber reduces IBS symptoms—especially constipation—because it makes stool soft, bulky, and easier to pass.

Examples of High Fiber Foods:

Fruits / Vegetables / Breads, cereals, and beans
Apples
Peaches
Berries / Broccoli, raw
Cabbage
Carrots, raw
Peas / Kidney beans
Lima beans
Whole-grain bread
Whole-grain cereal

IBS affects everyone differently; none of the same foods will have the same reaction in each individual. To find out which foods are a problem keep a food record of the foods you eat during the day, when and what kind of symptoms occur.

Consider our new MRT/LEAP program, which is a food sensitivity test. It is the most accurate and the most comprehensive test available for determining food sensitivities and has helped thousands of people identify their triggers and put an end to their suffering. Ask your dietitian for further details.

IBS is manageable and your symptoms will hopefully improve over time with consistent changes!

September 2010