Irritable bowel syndrome or IBS is the most commonly diagnosed intestinal disorder in the United States, United Kingdom and Australia. It is not a disease but a collection of symptoms like abdominal pain, which is the most common symptom, abdominal bloating or distension and irregular bowel patterns characterized by diarrhea, constipation or both. There is no definite cause or cure for the condition but several types of irritable bowel treatment have been developed to provide sufferers with the same degree of comfort and functionality as any other non-IBS sufferer.
Dietary changes are an indispensable type of treatment that can greatly prevent development of the condition or reduce the symptoms. Since the disorder involves the digestive system, food and drink are usually linked with symptoms. There is no universal diet that can best treat irritable bowel syndrome but there are useful dietary guidelines to follow to avoid triggers.
The gut functions can be significantly affected by changes in diet. The gut flora (the million of micro-organisms that live in the gut, both friendly and not) must be well-maintained in order to properly digest and absorb the nutrients from food. Imbalances in the gut flora can cause proliferation of harmful microorganisms that can hamper the entire process and produce untoward results, which can give rise to IBS symptoms.
Any foods high in fat or highly processed and caffeinated, carbonated or alcoholic beverages must be avoided to avoid irritation in the gastrointestinal tract. These types of food can cause the waste material to compact due to its generally low fiber content slowing down the pace of bowel movement resulting in constipation.
Processed goods and beverages can form gas, which accumulates in the digestive tract and the stomach causing bloating, gassiness and pain from the pressure. These gases can cause irritation and thereby causing forceful responses by the gastrocolic reflex (This is the reflex that causes contractions in the colon responsible for moving waste along its length)
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The gastrocolic reflex normally activates when food enters into the stomach. If there are disturbances in the digestive tract due to gas, or trigger foods, the gastrocolic reflex will be impaired which will result in abnormal formation of stools and its either hasty or very slow movement.
The colon contains gel and liquids to adequately balance the composition of stool but if there is dysfunction in the gastrocolic reflex, too much or too little liquid will be provided in forming and moving the bowel which will then result in diarrhea or constipation. The changes in the reflex may be intermittent which explains the alternating episodes on some occasions.
Choosing the right foods rich in soluble fiber and drinking a lot of water can greatly help in reducing the usual symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome.
Irritable bowel treatment using changes in diet is an approach that has helped millions and allowed them to understand and control the triggers that cause many of the symptoms of their condition.
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