| Irritable Bowel Syndrome: What You Need to Know |
| Articles - Lifestyle |
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Irritable bowel syndrome is a functional disorder of the colon, wherein the patient experiences episodes of abdominal cramping, constipation and diarrhea, and a feeling of fullness. The exact mechanism of irritable bowel syndrome is unknown but it is most likely linked to intake of dairy products because symptoms usually occur after ingesting dairy products. Although irritable bowel syndrome causes these discomforts, it doesn't pose as a serious disease.
Irritable bowel syndrome is a functional disorder of the colon, wherein the patient experiences episodes of abdominal cramping, constipation and diarrhea, and a feeling of fullness. The exact mechanism of irritable bowel syndrome is unknown but it is most likely linked to intake of dairy products because symptoms usually occur after ingesting dairy products. Although irritable bowel syndrome causes these discomforts, it doesn't pose as a serious disease. Patients with this type of disorder shouldn't be alarmed of their overall health condition because it is not as serious as it seems. However, when speaking in terms of comfort, these patients would likely feel a lot of discomfort. A good example of these discomforts is an uncontrollable diarrhea that can happen anytime the colon is triggered. Diarrhea experienced by patients with irritable bowel syndrome is the same as the diarrhea experienced by others. Stools are often soft, loose and watery. Once a person feels the need to defecate, it can't be controlled no matter how much effort you put in controlling it. Another symptom that causes disturbance in the normal living is the alternating episodes of diarrhea and constipation. Medical professionals often say that the colon of a person with irritable bowel syndrome is very sensitive especially to some foods. The reason for this sensitivity is not yet known but they have linked it to foods that normally cause irritability like dairy products. Medical professionals have also deduced that those with lactose intolerance are also prone to develop irritable bowel syndrome. No x-rays or MRIs are needed to diagnose irritable bowel syndrome because its exact cause is unknown. However, the diagnosis is only based on the patient's description of signs and symptoms. This can be quite difficult because patients may have different manifestations. Patients are often told that this is not an alarming medical condition; therefore, treatment approach will only be symptomatic. Because irritable bowel syndrome is often linked to sensitivity to dairy products, specialists have formulated that people with irritable bowel syndrome are usually those who have lactose intolerance as well. Because of this, physicians would recommend a lactose free diet to avoid triggering the spastic colon reaction. Experts have also found out that there is an increased sensitivity to fat in patients with irritable bowel syndrome; therefore, fat is also eliminated in their diet. Patients with irritable bowel syndrome are often told to eat vegetables because these are high in fiber. Fiber aids in the process of digestion and it also gives a cleansing effect in the colon. Fiber causes bulk in the stool that helps in relieving loose diarrhea. With adequate water intake, fiber can also prevent the occurrence of constipation. Once you are diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome, necessary lifestyle modifications should be done. Major diet changes are also recommended to avoid the manifestations of the symptoms. Increased physical activity is also required to promote a healthy lifestyle. DISCLAIMER: This article is provided as information only and is not to be taken as financial advice. If you wish to increase your wellbeing even more, invest in some yoga dvds. |