Diet to Prevent Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Key points
- One in five Northern Americans has Irritable bowel syndrome, which makes it one of the most common disorders diagnosed by doctors today.
- One in five Northern Americans has Irritable bowel syndrome, which makes it one of the most common disorders diagnosed today.
- Irritable bowel syndrome is actually a disease, although doctors consider it a functional disorder.
- Irritable bowel syndrome disturbs the normal functions of colon, particularly how the muscles in the intestines work, causing a lot of embarrassment and pain.
One in five Northern Americans has Irritable bowel syndrome, which makes it one of the most common disorders diagnosed by doctors today.
One in five Northern Americans has Irritable bowel syndrome, which makes it one of the most common disorders diagnosed today. Irritable bowel syndrome usually hits the person around age 20 and is more common among women than in men.
Irritable bowel syndrome is actually a disease, although doctors consider it a functional disorder. However, even though the syndrome can cause considerable pain and discomfort, it does not damage the digestive tract as organic diseases do.
Irritable bowel syndrome disturbs the normal functions of colon, particularly how the muscles in the intestines work, causing a lot of embarrassment and pain. It's important to remember, though, that Irritable bowel syndrome does not harm the intestines as much as serious disease do. Irritable bowel syndrome also does not cause internal bleeding, but may worsen a medical condition if you already have one.
Irritable bowel syndrome is characterized by a group of symptoms-cramps and abdominal pain, bloating, constipation, and diarrhea.
No one really knows why this disease hits certain people. Some doctors link colon sensitivity to weak immune system. Some researchers believe that people with Irritable bowel syndrome have sensitive colon that reacts to aggravating foods and certain emotional conditions, most commonly, to stress, conflict, or upsets. Antidepressants are often used to relieve stress-related Irritable bowel syndrome symptoms.
Most people with Irritable bowel syndrome find it impossible to work, go to social events, or travel even short distances. However, many irritable bowel syndrome sufferers can successfully control their symptoms with simple diet changes.
No cure has been found for Irritable bowel syndrome, but making changes to your diet is a very effective way to manage irritable bowel syndrome.
Medications are an important part of relieving Irritable bowel syndrome symptoms. Your doctor may suggest fiber supplements or occasional laxatives for constipation, as well as medicines to decrease diarrhea, or drugs that calm down abdominal pain.
Careful eating is #1 step in reducing Irritable bowel syndrome symptoms. Quite often, when you increase fiber intake, Irritable bowel syndrome symptoms are relieved.
Eating more fiber can be easier than you think. Whole grain breads and cereals, fruits, and vegetables are both delicious and healthy in terms of fiber. Fiber-rich diet results in regular bowel movements and better colon cleansing. However, fiber will make you feel worse if you have pain or diarrhea because high-fiber diets may cause some discomfort at first, but do not panic, it means you need a few days to adjust to new diet. Positive changes take time if your colon is more irritated than normally.
Written and revised by
Gerald Hurowitz, M.D.
Our doctors write and review articles for accuracy and keep them up to date.
health.am provides general information, not medical advice. Always consult a qualified health professional about your own health.
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