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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 SyndromeA nutritional approach to treating irritable bowel syndromeAuthor: Townsend Letter for Doctors and Patients Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) refers to a chronic intestinal disorder marked by recurring symptoms of abdominal pain and alteration of bowel habit. Nutritional influences on this syndrome are due primarily to the effects of macronutrients as well as to idiosyncratic reactions to specific foods. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Dietary Fat Fat is the major dietary stimulant of the gastrocolonic response. (1) Patients have an exaggerated and prolonged release of cholecystokinin following ingestion of a fatty meal which appears to cause the onset of their symptoms. (2) Those with diarrhea tend to be more sensitive to a fatty meal than those with constipation. (3) Sugar In addition to shortening oro-anal transit time, sugar increases the fecal bile acid concentration, at least partly by increasing bacterial fermentation in the colon. These alterations in colonic activity are known to increase the risk of developing an irritable bowel. (4) Fructose and sorbitol have been shown to cause malabsorption as evaluated by the hydrogen breath test. (5) In one study, patients found to be fructose-intolerant (38% of the IBS group) experienced significant symptom reduction so long as they stuck to a fructose-free diet. (6) While sucrose does not cause malabsorption, it does provoke symptoms--although they are milder. (5) Combined sugar malabsorption patterns are common, and restriction of offending sugars is routinely indicated. (7) Dietary Fiber ...
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
10 Travel Tips for IBS If you are someone that travels a lot, either for business or pleasure, you won't want to deal with the flares that occur from Irritable Bowel Syndrome. If you are dealing with IBS, you can find tricks to help monitor and keep your digestive system under control. Following are ten tips for those who are traveling with IBS. 1. Don't stress. Usually, stress will irritate your digestive system, and cause for IBS to flare. Make sure that you get to the airport on ... Author: CLICK HERE TO READ THE REST OF THIS ARTICLE A Functioning Digestive System and IBS Your digestive system, in relation to IBS, is usually set off because of the symptoms. Knowing how your digestive system works, as well as determining the different characteristics related to your digestive system and IBS will allow you to know what a functioning digestive system means. The digestive system is mainly used to mix food and breakdown chemicals so that they can be used as nutrients. Food will move through your digestive system through ... Author: CLICK HERE TO READ THE REST OF THIS ARTICLE IBS in the News
10 Step Detox Program By Dr. Janet Hull
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