What
Causes IBS?
The colon, which is about 6 feet long, connects the small
intestine with the rectum and anus. The major function of
the colon is to absorb water and salts from digestive products
that enter from the small intestine. Two quarts of liquid
matter enter the colon from the small intestine each day.
This material may remain there for several days until most
of the fluid and salts are absorbed into the body. The stool
then passes through the colon by a pattern of movements
to the left side of the colon, where it is stored until
a bowel movement occurs.
How
Does a Good Diet Help IBS?
For
many people, eating a proper diet lessens IBS symptoms.
Before changing your diet, it is a good idea to keep a journal
noting which foods seem to cause distress. Discuss your
findings with your doctor.
How
Do Diet and Stress Affect IBS?
The
potential for abnormal function of the colon is always present
in people with IBS, but a trigger also must be present to
cause symptoms. The most likely culprits seem to be diet
and emotional stress. Many people report that their symptoms
occur following a meal or when they are under stress. No
one is sure why this happens, but scientists have some clues.
What
Makes Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Different?
Understanding IBS is important because it is often confused
with other similar digestive disorders, such as inflammatory
bowel diseases. Below are the most common digestive disorders,
with some characteristic differences that help distinguish
one from another.
What
can I do to help my IBS besides avoiding problem foods and
beverages?
Drinking lots of water and increasing your fiber intake
may help, especially if constipation is a problem. Fiber
is found in bran, bread, cereal, beans, fruits, and vegetables.
It's a good idea to increase the fiber in your diet gradually
to avoid causing gas and pain.
IBS
in Children
Irritable
bowel syndrome (IBS) is a digestive disorder that causes
abdominal pain, bloating, gas, diarrhea, and constipation--or
some combination of these problems. IBS affects people of
all ages, including children.
Kids
Take Sickness Cue From Parents
TUESDAY,
Jan. 29 -- The behavioral patterns of those with irritable
bowel syndrome (IBS) can color their children's experiences
of their own illnesses.
How
to Increase the Amount of Fiber in Your Diet
Why
should I eat more fiber? Eating foods that are high in fiber
can help relieve some problems with constipation, hemorrhoids,
diverticulosis and irritable bowel syndrome. Dietary fiber
may help lower your cholesterol. It may also help prevent
heart disease, diabetes and certain types of cancer.
