irritable bowel syndrome and ibs symtoms

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Your Journey into Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Irritable 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 right arrow For a Special Report on the causes and treatment of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).

Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Stop Relationship Stress and Create Your Own Health Remedies


Author: Pat Swan, MS, Life and Relationship Coach
Human beings need relationships. Your relationships, past, present, personal or professional, represent a major source of stress in your life. Chronic stress causes breakdown of your immune system. This leads to many emotional and physical disorders including heart disease, fibromyalgia, cancer, ulcers, irritable bowel syndrome, and depression.

You can manage your stress many ways. Stress management strategies include deep breathing, relaxation exercises, physical exercise, meditation, and yoga.

But did you know that if you reduce your interpersonal stress you can improve health? Most of my clients who suffer from depression, anxiety or other mental illnesses complain about one thing – relationship problems at work or at home.

Like most people, I am sure you have heard a million times that you must quit smoking to reduce risks of cancer and enhance health. Have you heard the results of divorce studies about men and divorce? These indicate that men going through divorce experience stress related damage equal to smoking a pack of cigarettes a day.

Is the opposite true? If you reduce conflict in your relationships and avoid divorce, do you create a health remedy?

I’m sure you know that we must exercise, eat healthy and watch our cholesterol if we want to avoid a heart attack. But have you heard that an element closely linked to heart disease has been defined as the “hostility “ factor, or “cynical mistrust of others?” then it must follow that if you improve your conflict resolution skills and manage your anger you create cardiovascular health remedies.

We know that most individuals surviving cancer will try many complementary and alternative options to lengthen their lives. But did you know that studies have shown that women surviving breast cancer can double their survival time if they are involved in a close, intimate support network?

These and many other studies confirm the fact that healthier relationships lead to better health, emotionally, physically and spiritually. Most of us did not learn effective interpersonal skills at home. So why do so few individuals consider relationship skills training right from the start, before the stress becomes chronic? Probably because we haven’t been made aware of the facts.

The good news is that anyone can improve their relationships through learning simple skills including active or reflective listening, conflict resolution, behavioral changes, and thought management, among others.
If you want less stress, and more fun and fulfillment in your life, consider exploring options for relationship skill building.

Whether the relationship is past or present, personal or professional, you can make it better and get healthier in the process.

About the Author

Pat Swan, M.S., LMFT: Life & Relationship Coach, Speaker, Trainer, Author of “Watch Out! Your Relationships Can Be Hazardous To Your Health.” http://www.RelationshipSkillville.com and http://www.StopRelationshipStress.com . Mailto:pat@patswan.com .


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Risk Factors for IBS

The main risk factors for Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) include:

  • Sex
  • Family History

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

  • Myths About IBS
    Myths About IBS For those that are dealing with IBS, they may be finding that there are several myths related to it. Pre-conceived ideas are often times associated with IBS. You also may have heard something about IBS that is causing you to look into the wrong solutions. If you are dealing with IBS, separating the realities of it from what you have heard may help in finding the right solution. The first thing that is often heard about IBS is that it is not that common. This is someth ...
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    IBS in the News


    07/23/2010
    Study Finds Structural Brain Alterations In Patients With Irritable Bowel Syndrome
    A large academic study has demonstrated structural changes in specific brain regions in female patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), a condition that causes pain and discomfort in the abdomen, along with diarrhea, constipation or both. A collaborative effort between UCLA and Canada's McGill University, the study appears in the July issue of the journal Gastroenterology...

    more IBS info


    06/23/2010
    A Guide For Vaccinating The IBD Patient; Findings On Impact Of Gluten-Free Diet In Adult Celiac Patients
    A guide for vaccinating the Inflammatory Bowel Disease patient, and studies looking at the impact of a gluten-free diet on adults with celiac disease and the relationship between cognitive factors and treatment response in patients with functional bowel disorders, like IBS, are among the highlights of the June issue of The American Journal of Gastroenterology...

    more IBS info


    06/10/2010
    Lubiprostone Successfully Completes Phase 3 Efficacy Trial In Japanese Patients Suffering From Chronic Idiopathic Constipation
    Sucampo Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ: SCMP) and Abbott (NYSE:ABT) today announced that a pivotal phase 3 clinical trial of lubiprostone for chronic idiopathic constipation (CIC) in Japanese patients met its primary endpoint with statistical significance and demonstrated a safety profile consistent with previously reported clinical lubiprostone data...

    more IBS info


    06/10/2010
    Salix Pharmaceuticals Announces NDA Submission For XIFAXAN550 For Treatment Of Non-Constipation Irritable Bowel Syndrome
    Salix Pharmaceuticals, Ltd. (NASDAQ:SLXP) today announced that the Company has submitted an efficacy supplement to NDA 21-361 for XIFAXAN® (rifaximin) 550 mg tablets for the proposed indication of treatment of non-constipation irritable bowel syndrome (Non-C IBS) and IBS-related bloating...

    more IBS info


    06/04/2010
    Symptoms Of Digestive Disorders Alleviated By Probiotic Found In Breast Milk
    New research published in the FASEB Journal suggests that Lactobacillus reuteri immediately affects nerves in the gut, explaining how probiotics work Here's another reason to breast feed your baby: Canadian researchers have discovered how a probiotic found in breastmilk reduces or eliminates painful cramping in the gut...

    more IBS info

  • 10 Step Detox Program By Dr. Janet Hull
    Detoxification program for Radiation, Heavy Metals, Mercury, and Food Chemicals such as Aspartame!

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