The French fries you had last evening may be doing something bad in your stomach. The scrumptious and filling dinner you had last night at a new restaurant is making you take rounds to the bathroom. Well, all these indicate you have a bad stomach. In simple words, it is irritable bowel syndrome. It is one of the most common syndromes experienced by people after having greasy and oily food. There is nothing to worry about as irritable bowel syndrome treatment is at your service.
What Exactly Is Irritable Bowel Syndrome?
Well, it is basically a disorder in which a person experiences pain or discomfort in the abdominal area. This gastrointestinal condition can be very painful but is not a life-threatening illness. This mainly occurs when there is an alteration of digested material through the intestines and colon. This further leads to constipation, diarrhea, and so on. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) can actually affect a person’s quality of life. This gastrointestinal functioning mainly engages the large intestine and small intestine with bowel disturbances.
Signs and Symptoms
The signs and symptoms associated with irritable bowel syndrome vary from one person to another. Sometimes the symptoms are the same as other diseases, which makes it hard to diagnose irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Some of the common symptoms associated are abdominal cramping, gas, diarrhea, constipation, and so on. Other than this, some of the other symptoms associated include:
- A sense of having your belly full also called bloating
- Having mucus in the stool, white or yellow liquid
- An urgent requirement to go to the bathroom
- Not being able to pass the stool completely
Know the Types of Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Not many know but IBS has many types. Many people often take it as diarrhea, constipation, and other bowel disturbances. However, knowing the types makes easier to irritable bowel syndrome treatment. Mentioned are three major types of IBS you need to know:
- IBS with Diarrhea – In this, a person with irritable bowel will experience watery stool or diarrhea. There is no difficulty in passing the stool. Healthcare experts often suggest a patient have small meals.
- IBS with Constipation – In this, a person experiences a lot of pain when passing the stool. No watery stool or diarrhea is experienced. One of the best ways to avoid this is by adding fiber to your diet. Try adding daily supplements or whole grains to your diet.
- Mixed Type – The third IBS is a mixed type of both constipation and diarrhea. This can be painful. You need to make some dietary changes, avoid stress, and consider the right balance of treatment.
Causes of IBS
The exact cause of IBS is still not known. One of the main causes of irritable bowel syndrome is intestinal spasms. These spasms tend to occur without any warning. This further leads to having a number of bathroom trips. Layers of muscle that wall the intestines contract and relax as food is moved from the stomach to the intestinal tract and to the rectum. Another major cause of irritable bowel syndrome pain is food or stress sensitivities. Some people are sensitive to certain foods when had can cause a lot of bowel disturbances.
Foods that Trigger IBS
Some people cannot have certain foods, as they are sensitive to them. It becomes quite hard to know which food you are sensitive to. A real IBS sufferer is quite wary of milk and dairy products. You should know the foods that trigger IBS:
- Milk and dairy products – If discomfort is experienced after having milk or any dairy product it is wise you avoid it. You need to stay away from cottage cheese, ice cream, yogurt, sour cream, and so on. As milk contains fat, it increases the chances of diarrhea. (rare incidences)
- Insoluble fiber – It is believed adding fiber helps you be healthy. However, it also worsens diarrhea. Insoluble fiber mainly consists of whole-wheat pasta, high-fiber bread, and more.
- Fried foods – Who does not like to have fried foods, like French fries, chicken, and so on? It is a quick recipe and tastes like heaven! However, you need to keep it moderate. It has high-fat content. You can consider it as baked or grilled.
- Coffee – A true coffee lover will not agree with this point. However, it increases the chances of diarrhea.
- Nicotine – Tobacco consumption in the form of cigarettes / chewing pan masala with tobacco are a constant source of irritation.
- Alcohol – excessive consumption on daily basis leads to IBS though social consumption on very few occasions does not lead to IBSAlcohol + tobacco + caffeine all three together with a heavy meat diet also lead to IBS
- Beans and lentils – Though beans and lentils are great sources of fiber and protein, they can also be the main reason for numerous trips to bathroom. Too much of it can lead to bloating, gas, constipation, and cramps.
Apart from this, the list of foods that trigger IBS is quite long with sweeteners, red meat, chocolate, and so on.
As there is no exact cause of the IBS, you are offered treatment to offer relief to the symptoms. A healthcare expert will do their part by giving medications. You can contribute a little by avoiding foods that trigger IBS. Medications often include stool softeners and laxatives.
If you do not like taking traditional medicines, you can go for ayurvedic treatment for gastrointestinal disorders. One such treatment is Enteropan Capsule/Syrup, which proves beneficial in the long run. With Irritable bowel syndrome becoming common, you are advised to seek medical help immediately. Available in the form of both capsules and syrup you can opt for the one that suits you. Some of the effective ingredients used include Bilwa, Musta, Kutaj Chaal, Usher, Shunthi, Jatiphal, Ativisha, Dhanyak, and Dadim Chaal. Each of the ingredients present works wonders in treating IBS. It can offer relief to any type of diarrhea and dysentery. It helps to relieve spasms and correct reflux. It does wonder for treating constipation. When talking about consuming, you are advised to follow the instructions given by the doctor.
Natural or Home Remedies
Other than ayurvedic treatment for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), you can even go natural when treating or getting relief.
- Exercise – You are highly advised to stay healthy by exercising. It can be anything from swimming and jogging to even walking for 20-60 minutes.
- Diet – No one is asking you to diet, but keep a track of the foods you have. You need to stay away from IBS-trigger foods. Try to include high-fiber foods like vegetables and fruit green leafy vegetables and salads.
- Stress management – Stress is also a major part of contributing to IBS. You can keep stress at bay by meditating or just lying down comfortably.
- Drink fluids – You are highly advised to consume a lot of fluids, mainly water.
All the information provided serves the purpose of helping you be healthy and stay away from irritable bowel syndrome. Keeping these aspects or information in mind makes it easier to fight IBS.