| DEFINITION: |
This is the most common
digestive order seen by physicians. In IBS the normal rhythmic muscular
contractions of the digestive tract become irregular, interfering with the
normal movement of food and waste material. This leads to
accumulation of mucus and toxins in the intestine, setting up a partial
obstruction of the digestive tract, trapping gas and stools, which in turn
causes bloating, distention, and constipation. IBS may affect the
whole gastrointestinal tract, from mouth to colon. |
| SYMPTOMS: |
Symptoms include,
constipation and/or diarrhea, abdominal pain, mucus in
the stools, nausea, flatulence,
bloating, anorexia, and intolerance to certain
foods. Malnutrition may result as nutrients are not absorbed
properly. Persons with IBS may need up to 30% more protein than
normal as well as increased minerals and trace elements, which can quickly
be depleted by diarrhea. |
| CAUSES: |
Causes are not well
understood, possibly a virus or bacteria may play a role,
diet, stress, overuse of antibiotics, antacids, or laxatives. |
| "DR." TESTS: |
Diagnosis require ruling out
other diseases with the same symptoms. Tests include, barium
enema, colonoscopy, rectal biopsy,
sigmoidoscoy, and stool examination. |
| TREATMENT: |
Most people can lead active
normal lives by changing their diets, getting regular exercise
and replacing needed nutrients. Drink plenty of water. |
| DIET: |
Eat a high fiber diet
including plenty of fruits, vegetables plus whole grains and
legumes. Psyllium powder regulates bowel
movement-use daily. Use oat bran and ground flax
seed alternating between the two-daily |
| AVOID: |
Foods to avoid are, animal
fat, butter, carbonated drinks, coffee
and all things containing caffeine, candy,
chocolate, all dairy products, fried
foods, ice cream, junk food, additives
mannitol and sorbitol, margarine,
nuts, orange & grape fruit juice,
pastries, all processed foods, seeds,
spicy foods, sugar, sugar free gum,
wheat bran & wheat products, alcohol and tobacco. |
| HINTS: |
Deep breath instead of
shallow to provide oxygen needed for proper bowel
function, wear loose fitting clothes in particular
around the waist, wait for two hours after eating before
lying down. Testing has shown that persons who
practice deep breathing and stress management have fewer and less severe
attacks. |
