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Your Journey into Irritable Bowel SyndromeIrritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a disorder characterized most commonly by cramping, abdominal pain, bloating, constipation, and diarrhea. As its name indicates, Irritable Bowel Syndrome is a syndrome. That is, IBS is a combination of signs and symptoms, but not a disease. IBS is classified as a functional disorder. A functional disorder refers to a condition where the primary abnormality is an altered physiological function (the way the body works), rather than an identifiable inflammatory, infectious, structural, or biochemical cause. Research also indicates that IBS is a multi-faceted disorder. For example, the symptoms of IBS result from what seems to be a disturbance or imbalance in the interaction between the intestines, the brain, sensory function, and the autonomic nervous system that alters regulation of bowel motility (motor function). The articles on this site are provided to help you to better understand Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and your options for relief of these symptoms. Click Here Irritable Bowel SyndromeFacing irritable bowel syndrome - Expert Advice on Health and Fitness - Brief ArticleAuthor: Ebony Q For a few years now I have had to deal with abdominal pain, gas, bloating, diarrhea and/or constipation. I'm 45 years old, and I've had this condition for the past two years. I really don't know if certain foods aggravate the condition because the discomfort just seems to occur without warning. What could be my problem? A.W., Phoenix A Abdominal problems could result because of a variety of reasons, but your description appears to indicate irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), which is a chronic condition that's characterized by abdominal pain or cramping and changes in bowel function. Doctors say IBS is a functional disorder of the intestines that currently affects 40 million Americans. It affects nearly two times as many women as men and typically begins in late adolescence, but can affect people of any age. In IBS sufferers, the intestines squeeze too hard or not hard enough, causing slow or accelerated movement of waste through the intestines. It isn't a life-threatening condition, and it can be controlled by eating a healthy diet that includes enough fiber and by avoiding foods that aggravate the condition--fatty and spicy foods, milk products, alcohol, caffeine, chocolate. ...
Risk Factors for IBS The main risk factors for Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) include:
For example, you are far more likely to have IBS if you're young and female. In fact, two to three times as many women as men have the condition. In addition, IBS does seem to run in families, possibly suggesting a genetic cause for the condition. However, at the current time, the precise cause of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is not known. New Irritable Bowel Information
A GROWING NUMBER of African-Americans--especially women--are being diagnosed with the gastrointestinal disorder known as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Doctors say about 15 percent of African-American women who complain of abdominal pain have been diagnosed with the disease, which is characterized by severe cramping and diarrhea, or bloating and constipation. Overall IBS affects up to 20 percent of the population, according to the International Foundation for Functional Gastrointestina ... IBS in the News
10 Step Detox Program By Dr. Janet Hull
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