Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) | Cause, symptoms, Diet & Homeopathy

IBS is a functional gastro intestinal disorder characterized by altered bowel habits, abdominal pain and constipation or diarrhea without any organic pathology.

Exact cause for this condition is not known. In most of the cases diarrhea or (and) constipation predominates.

It is estimated that IBS afflicts one in six Americans, particularly women, and it is the most common intestinal problem seen by gastroenterologists.

Population-based studies estimate the prevalence of irritable bowel syndrome at 10-20% and the incidence of irritable bowel syndrome at 1-2% per year. Of people with irritable bowel syndrome, approximately 10-20% seek medical care. An estimated 20-50% of gastroenterology referrals relate to this symptom complex. The incidence is markedly different among countries.

What causes IBS?

It is a difficult question in case of IBS. What cause IBS is not really known.

Some hypotheses have been proposed which can trigger IBS Which are

·         Active infections like gastroenteritis which sometimes causes colonic muscle hyperactivity.

·         IBS is seen in people who are suffering from depressions.

·         Limbic system abnormalities, as demonstrated by positron emission tomography, have been described in patients with irritable bowel syndrome.

·         Bloating and distention may also occur from intolerance to dietary fats. This kind of food rich in fat can lead to IBS

·         Mental anxiety can trigger the IBS symptoms.

Low mast cell counts and atopic disease are associated with increased risk for irritable bowel syndrome, according to data presented at the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Annual Meeting in San Antonio.

Triggering factors

Ø  chocolate

Ø  drinks that contain caffeine, such as tea, coffee or cola  

Ø  Fried food

Ø  processed snacks, such as crisps and biscuits

Ø  alcohol

Ø  fizzy drinks

Ø  fatty food

What are the symptoms of IBS?

ü  Abdominal pain or discomfort

ü  Diarrhea or constipation

ü  Urgency for bowel movements

ü  A feeling of incomplete evacuation

ü  Abdominal distension

ü  Mucus in stools

ü  Nausea

There can be fibrimyalgic symptoms associated with IBS. Anxiety or depression triggers the symptoms.

Investigations

There are no specific diagnostic tests to investigate IBS. Your Doctor can diagnose it by your symptoms itself.

Stool and blood examination should be done to rule out infections

Endoscopy should be done to find out any gastrointestinal pathology.

Diet to be followed

Eat fiber rich food

Vegies which contains fibers are

• oats
• barley
• rye
• fruit, such as bananas and apples
• root vegetables, such as carrots and potatoes
• golden linseeds

Add enough water in your diet

Avoid food stuffs which are intolerant to your stomach.

Some tips on eating

• restrict your tea and coffee intake to a maximum of three cups a day
• have regular meals and take your time when eating
• lower the amount of alcohol and fizzy drinks you drink
• reduce your intake of resistant starch, starch that resists digestion in the small intestine and reaches the large intestine intact – it is often found in processed or re-cooked foods
• avoid missing meals or leaving long gaps between eating
• limit fresh fruit to three portions a day – a suitable portion would be half a grapefruit or an apple
• if you have diarrhea, avoid sorbitol, an artificial sweetener found in sugar-free sweets, including chewing gum and drinks, and in some diabetic and slimming products drink at least eight cups of fluid a day, particularly water and other non-caffeinated drinks such as herbal tea
• if you have wind and bloating, consider stopping all cereals for six weeks or increasing your intake of linseeds (up to one tablespoon a day)

Homeopathy for IBS

There are many homeopathic medicines which can cure your IBS. The homeopathic medicine is selected according to your symptom similarity. A detailed individualized case is taken by your homeopath to get your remedy.

Here we are listing out some of the common homeopathic remedies which should not be taken without your physician’s advice.

·         Nux vomica

·         Argentum Nitricum

·         Phosphorus

·         Lycopodium

·         Arsenicum album

·         China

·         Colocynthis

·         Plumbum met

·         Aloes

·         Sulphur

·         Podophyllum

Source:-

http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Talk:Irritable_bowel_syndrome

http://www.nhs.uk/

http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/180389-treatment#showall

http://www.foxnews.com/health/2013/02/12/diet-changes-to-help-relieve-ibs-symptoms/

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