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Symptoms of IBS Syndrome

IBS, or irritable bowel syndrome, is a common digestive disorder in which the muscular contractions of the digestive tract become irregular, which leads to the accumulation of mucus and toxins in the intestine.

  1. Statistics

    • National Institutes of Health (NIH) estimates that up to 20 percent of the adult population experience symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, which is more common in women than in men, and usually begins before age 35.

    Symptoms

    • Symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome include abdominal pain, anorexia, bloating, constipation and/or diarrhea, flatulence, mucus in the stools and nausea.

    Pain

    • In irritable bowel syndrome, pain is often triggered by eating and is sometimes relieved by a bowel movement.

    Nutrition Needs

    • Due to malabsorption, the protein requirements of people with irritable bowel syndrome may be up to 30 percent higher than average.

    Secondary Conditions

    • Arthritis is common in people with irritable bowel syndrome.

    Considerations

    • Disorders that cause symptoms similar to those caused by IBS include celiac disease, colon cancer or benign tumors, Crohn's disease, depression and diverticulitis.

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