| Irritable bowel syndrome is a diagnosis given to | | | | common causes of irritable bowel symptoms. Over |
| people with a wide range of symptoms including: | | | | processed, fast foods; hurried or missed meals can all |
| bloated stomach, diarrhea, constipation, excess wind | | | | disrupt the digestive system. However even the |
| gas, painful stomach cramps etc. In other words it is | | | | healthiest diets can lead to bloating, excess wind/gas |
| often used as a blanket term to cover most | | | | and stomach cramps. Again the best way to identify |
| abdominal and intestinal problems where no other | | | | if food is at the root of your IBS is to keep a diary. |
| serious association can be found. | | | | List everything you eat and record any reaction you |
| For the sufferer, the diagnosis of irritable bowel | | | | may have. Some people claim that they suffer |
| syndrome brings little relief as there are no | | | | symptoms regardless of what they eat or drink |
| medications on the market that actually cure this | | | | however it's unlikely that you will be sensitive to |
| condition or in many cases even satisfactorily ease | | | | everything. The problem is that food eaten at, for |
| the symptoms. The most common treatments | | | | instance, breakfast time may not produce a reaction |
| consist of anti-spasmodic tablets to ease the cramps | | | | until later in the day which can cause confusion with |
| and generally get everything moving through the | | | | anything you may have eaten in between. |
| system. Peppermint oil and charcoal preparations are | | | | Ideally you should try an elimination diet This involves |
| also popular, traditional remedies to temporarily | | | | following a strict and basic bland diet until all |
| soothe the pain and discomfort. However getting to | | | | symptoms have subsided. This usually takes between |
| the root of the problem is more difficult so long term | | | | 3 - 5 days. You can then begin re-introducing foods |
| relief is rarely achieved. | | | | one by one in a carefully controlled manner and |
| If you've been diagnosed with irritable bowel | | | | recording any reaction you may have. You will soon |
| syndrome what could be the source of your | | | | learn how to control your symptoms and in some |
| symptoms? Practitioners offer us a wide range of | | | | cases eliminate them completely simply by avoiding |
| possibilities ranging from stress, poor dietary habits or | | | | certain foods and ingredients. |
| adhesions left by stomach surgery. So what are your | | | | With regards stomach adhesions, these generally |
| options when trying to deal with this condition? | | | | begin to form shortly after surgery, but they may |
| Relaxation techniques may be helpful if you live a | | | | not produce symptoms for months or even years. |
| stressful life. Many people suffer from a 'nervous | | | | An adhesion is a band of scar tissue that binds parts |
| tummy' - that stomach lurching feeling when you are | | | | of your tissue together. In time the scar tissue |
| anxious or that need to rush to the loo when you're | | | | begins to restrict motion of the small intestines and |
| worried. If you seem to suffer more than most in | | | | passing food through the digestive system becomes |
| these situations, stress may be the source of your | | | | progressively more difficult. If you believe adhesions |
| IBS. Keeping a diary is extremely helpful in pinpointing | | | | may be the cause of your symptoms you should |
| the triggers that lead to your symptoms. Yoga, deep | | | | consult your doctor. Most likely the preferred method |
| breathing exercises and meditation can all help by | | | | will be to treat the symptoms rather than the cause |
| producing a calming effect. | | | | however in serious cases surgical intervention may be |
| Dietary problems are probably among the most | | | | an option. |