More about IBS – Irritable Bowel

Between 3 percent and 20 percentTrusted Source of Americans experience irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) symptoms. The condition affects more women than men. Some people with IBS have minor symptoms. However, for others the symptoms are significant and disrupt daily life. IBS is also known as spastic colon, irritable colon, mucous colitis, and spastic colitis. It is a separate condition from inflammatory bowel disease and isn’t related to other bowel conditions. IBS is a group of intestinal symptoms that typically occur together. The symptoms vary in severity and duration from person to person. However, they last at least three months for at least three days per month. IBS can cause intestinal damage in some cases. However, that is not common. IBS doesn’t increase your risk of gastrointestinal cancers, but it can still have a significant effect on your life. Learn more about the specific ways IBS can affect your bowels.

Home Remedies

Certain home remedies or lifestyle changes may help to relieve your IBS symptoms without the use of medication. Examples of these lifestyle changes include: Participating in regular physical exercise; Cutting back on caffeinated beverages that stimulate the intestines; Eating smaller meals; Minimizing stress (talk therapy may help); Taking probiotics (“good” bacteria normally found in the intestines) to help relieve gas and bloating; Avoiding deep-fried or spicy foods

Symptoms

The symptoms of IBS typically include: Cramping; Abdominal pain; Bloating and gas; Constipation; Diarrhea. It’s not uncommon for people with IBS to have episodes of both constipation and diarrhea. Symptoms such as bloating and gas typically go away after you have a bowel movement. Symptoms of IBS aren’t always persistent. They can resolve, only to come back. However, some people do have continuous symptoms. Symptoms of IBS in women: Women may tend to have symptoms around the time of menstruation, or they may have more symptoms during this time. Menopausal women have fewer symptoms than women who are still menstruating. Some women have also reported that certain symptoms increase during pregnancy. Symptoms of IBS in men: Symptoms of IBS in men are the same as the symptoms in women. However, a lot fewer men report their symptoms and seek treatment.

IBS Diet

For some people, dietary changes can go a long way in helping ease symptoms. Because the symptoms of IBS vary among people with the condition, approaches to dietary changes need to vary. This Healthline article helps to outline some of these different dietary approaches. Managing your diet when you have IBS may take a little extra time but is often worth the effort. Modifying amounts or eliminating certain foods such as dairy, fried foods, indigestible sugars, and beans may help to reduce different symptoms. For some people, adding spices and herbs such as ginger, peppermint, and chamomile has helped to reduce some IBS symptoms. Learn more about how certain foods interact with IBS symptoms.