Irritable Bowel Syndrome Symptoms and Diet Suggestions

Irritable bowel syndrome symptoms can fool you into thinking you have some other kind of illness, such as a stomach bug. Irritable bowel syndrome symptoms also vary from person to person, and can even vary in an individual over time. It's important for anyone experiencing chronic digestive upset to see a physician to rule out other more serious conditions such as Crohn's disease, an infection, or cancer.

The Telltale Signs: Irritable Bowel Syndrome Symptoms

You wake up in the morning and feel fine. A few hours later, a sudden intestinal cramp sends you racing for the bathroom, where diarrhea forces you to miss a meeting or classes at school. Such a scenario happens more frequently than you'd think. According to the Mayo Clinic, 1 out of every 5 Americans may actually have irritable bowel syndrome.

What are the signs and symptoms of IBS? No two people experience it the same, and someone who typically experiences one set of symptoms may shift and find themselves combating a whole new set of symptoms. That's what makes it difficult to diagnose and so important for a healthcare provider to rule out other diseases and make the official diagnosis.

Typical irritable bowel syndrome symptoms include:

Chronic constipation
Intestinal cramps
Frequent gas or flatulence, sometimes accompanied by intestinal pain
Diarrhea
Mucous in the stools

Possible Causes of Irritable Bowel Syndrome

The intestinal tract normally contracts in a smooth, regular motion called peristalsis. When the contractions become disrupted, cramps, diarrhea or constipation may result. If the condition is frequent or pervasive, a doctor may diagnose irritable bowel syndrome. Doctors aren't sure what causes irritable bowel syndrome. Some possible causes include poor diet, a diet low in fiber, a miscommunication (or problems in the hormones) among the various chemical messengers between the nervous system and digestive system, food allergies or sensitivities, and stress.

Holistic health practitioners such as colon hydrotherapists believe that diet plays a very important role in the cause and relief of irritable bowel syndrome symptoms. A diet heavy in flesh foods (meat, poultry), processed foods, and junk foods is difficult to process and wastes hard to eliminate because among other things it lacks fiber. Fiber is the indigestible material in plants. It acts like a little broom, sweeping wastes out through the colon. If you don't get enough fiber in your diet, fecal matter may build up in the colon.

While you may think this causes constipation - and it does sometimes - it can also cause diarrhea. The body sends more water to the area and pushes harder to eliminate the impacted matter. The resulting cramps, flatulence and diarrhea may make someone mistakenly think they're eating a fiber-rich diet, but it can also be a sign of a fiber-poor diet.

What You Can Do Now: Irritable Bowel Syndrome Diet

A diet rich in plant-based foods help many people overcome digestive troubles. Supplements containing beneficial soil bacteria and healthy probiotics can also reset the intestine's colonies of friendly bacteria, which are crucial for a healthy and well functioning digestive system. Many doctors recommend eliminating foods found to contribute to irritable bowel syndrome. These include alcohol, dairy, chocolate, and fried foods. We've also found that caffeinated foods, artificial sweeteners, and carbonated beverages can increase symptoms.

While eliminating meat and dairy from the diet may seem drastic, you can take small steps to eliminate this common cause of digestive upset. Dairy is mucous-producing. Many people are also lactose intolerant and don't even know it, so eliminating milk, yogurt, ice cream and cheese is a great step to control your irritable bowel syndrome. Go vegetarian if you can. A raw, living food diet, rich in fresh fruits, vegetables and other plant-based foods is the healthiest diet for the colon. It will certainly provide plenty of fiber, nutrients and more for a healthy body!

Most people can take charge of their irritable bowel syndrome symptoms and make simple changes, such as changing their diet, to alter the course of this condition. Take charge of your health. Educate yourself on the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome and dietary choices to help prevent bouts of IBS!

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