Getting a Grip On Irritable Bowel Syndrome!

IRRITABLE BOWEL SYNDROME - (IBS) BASICS

IRRITABLE BOWEL SYNDROME - is the most common gut condition that causes discomfort and distress, so much so that people with Irritable Bowel Syndrome may be too stressed to function normally and be unable to work, go out socially or may even have problems while traveling. Irritable bowel syndrome is not a disease but a group of symptoms and is considered a functional disorder, meaning that the bowel does not work or function properly. Most people with irritable bowel syndrome find that symptoms improve as they learn to control their condition with diet and lifestyle changes that include stress management, getting adequate sleep and moderate exercise.

IRRITABLE BOWEL SYNDROME - CAUSES
Doctors do not know what causes irritable bowel syndrome. They do know that with irritable bowel syndrome, movement of the digestive tract does not work, as it should. The nerves and muscles in the digestive tract become extra sensitive in people with irritable bowel syndrome causing cramps and diarrhea during or shortly after a meal.

IRRITABLE BOWEL SYNDROME - SYMPTOMS- (IBS SYMPTOMS)
•    Abdominal pain / cramping,
•    Chronic diarrhea, constipation or a combination of both as alternating chronic conditions
•    Bloating with gas, belly is distended
•    Mucus in stool
•    Feeling that you have not finished a bowel movement.
•    Stress and or depression.

IRRITABLE BOWEL SYNDROME AND STRESS
Stress does not cause irritable bowel syndrome, but people with this condition are more sensitive to stress. That's why its important for people with irritable bowel syndrome to make small lifestyle changes and learn to reduce stress. This will definitely help relieve their symptoms from irritable bowel syndrome.

IRRITABLE BOWEL SYNDROME - TREATMENT
Can changes in the diet help relieve Irritable Bowel Syndrome?
For many people, careful eating helps reduce or eliminate some of the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. Dietary fiber may lessen irritable bowel syndrome symptoms, particularly constipation. Sometimes irritable bowel syndrome is related to stress and not getting enough sleep or adequate exercise.

Contact our dietitians who can help you plan a menu plan specifically to address your irritable bowel condition. The NutritionVista dietitians will work with your lifestyle habits, personal likes and dislikes and underlying health conditions to guide you through your daily routine. We recommend a three month package to evaluate your dietary needs, your current diet and lifestyle factors and then provide consultations to enable you to successfully alleviate your condition. (View packages)

By Deepika Kohli,
Dietitian Online,
www.Nutritionvista.com