Irritable Bowl Syndrome Treatments

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a condition that affects up to 20 percent of people, but only 15 percent of cases end up with proper treatment. While a definite cause is not known, there are many things that are believed to increase the chances of Irritable bowel syndrome, the most common being food allergies, stress and spasms in the gastrointestinal tract. IBS is rarely a cause for major concern and can usually be treated without going to the doctor. Follow these simple instructions to treat your IBS.

Fiber

• An increase of fiber is one of the most effective and most commonly used treatments for irritable bowel syndrome. It works by expanding the inside of the digestive tract, which in turn reduces the chance of spasms as it digests food. Fiber has also been shown to regulate bowel movements, sometimes to the point that movements will occur at the same time each day. Since a sudden increase in fiber can cause bloating and gas, it is important to slowly increase your daily fiber intake.

Stress

• Stress has been shown to be a cause of IBS in some people. The obvious treatment to this is to reduce the amount of stress you have in your life. This can be achieved by limiting your daily activities and ensuring you have at least one hour per day to relax and take your mind off of work, school or any other activity that causes stress. It is also important to exercise regularly as this releases endorphins that naturally put you at ease.

Food Allergies

• Certain foods can cause IBS in people, so it is important to be fully aware of what you eat. If you experience symptoms of irritable bowl syndrome, it is important to keep a diary of every food that you eat on a daily basis. This will make it easier to see the effects that certain foods have on you. Once you suspect you may have a food allergy, all you have to do is remove that food from your diet. The most common foods that cause IBS are dairy products, cauliflower, cabbage, broccoli and beans.

Smoking

• Smoking has been shown to worsen the symptoms of IBS. If you are a smoker experiencing problems with irritable bowel syndrome, it is vital that you quit smoking. If you do not smoke, then avoid smokey areas at all costs. This may be difficult if you live with a smoker. If the person refuses to smoke outside, make sure to keep all the rooms in the house well ventilated, especially at times when the person is smoking.

Medicines

• It is best to consult with a doctor about medicinal treatment for irritable bowel syndrome, as different causes call for different medications. The most common medications used are anti-diarrheals such as Imodium and Kaopectate. Since stress is sometimes the cause of IBS, mild antidepressants may be used. Antispasmodic medicines are also effective for those with irritable bowel syndrome causing digestive tract spasms.