Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a functional bowel disorder that affects your large bowel which is also your large intestine. This is a vital area of the digestive system which makes and stores stool. It is known as a syndrome because the condition is associated with many symptoms. It might surprise you to know that we have so many people in the world that is affected by this problem.

IBS is not a disease, but it is a functional disorder that is related to the bowel. Intestinal diseases like ulcerative colitis and Crohns disease can damage your intestine but IBS does not harm your intestine through inflammation or any other methods. The major way to control this syndrome is to live a healthy and stress free lifestyle. IBS puts the sufferer through lot of pain and discomfort.

IrritableBowel Syndrome (IBS) Causes

1. Eating large meals
2. Bloated colon
3. Specific medicines and food
4. Stress

Stress may not be directly related to IBS but stress surely aggravates the situation. Studies have shown that during menstrual periods chances of IBS increases due to a fluctuation of the hormonal pattern in women.

Symptoms of IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome Symptoms)

1. Bloated stomach
2. Abdominal pain with cramps
3. Diarrhea
4. Constipation
5. Excess gas/ flatulence
6. Mucus in the stool.

Food also plays an important role when it comes to IBS. Foods that are high in fat, insoluble fiber (which cannot be dissolved in water like fruits, vegetables, whole grains and cereals and caffeine (in any form like carbonated beverages, tea, coffee and even decaf) can cause this problem. Soluble fibers are a good relief to those suffering from IBS. They can help to alleviate problems like diarrhea and constipation.

Consuming more fiber diet also helps to beat down this problem. Nevertheless, there should be a balance because excess of anything can cause trouble. There are no specific treatments that can cure IBS problem but the symptoms can be relieved by using preventive measures.Change in lifestyle can make a huge difference to fight this condition. Changed is diet and also reducing stress make a lot of difference.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Diet

Meals always seem to trigger symptoms. It may be the process of eating and not a particular food that triggers your symptoms. Eating stimulates the digestive tract, which can respond negatively because of IBS.

1. Eat smaller meals and spread it throughout your day. Instead of 3 meals, try 5 or 6 regularly scheduled small portions of meals.
2. Don’t rush through your meals. Eat slowly
3. Avoid meals that over-stimulate your gut, like large meals or high fat foods.
4. If you have constipation, make sure you have breakfast, as your breakfast is what most likely will stimulate the colon and give you a bowel movement.
5. If you are unsure and think that a certain food is a problem, try cutting it out of your diet for about 12 weeks. (Cut out one at a time so you know which one causes you problems if you suspect more than one). Go back to eating it if you didnt notice any change.
6. Avoid adding to much stress on your digestive system. Eat meals in portions instead of having one large meal.
7. Engage in some relaxing activities like reading, chatting with friends, listening to music and many more.
8. Avoid stress as much as possible
9. Avoid all the fatty foods like French fries, cheese, ice-cream, chocolate, alcohol and many more.
10. Eat more of soluble fibers in your diet such as rice, pasta and noodles, oatmeal, barley, fresh white bread, turnips, sweet potatoes, avocados, papayas and many more.
11. Drink a minimum of eight (8) glasses of water daily to remain hydrated and also to have smooth bowel movements.
12. Stay away from gas generating vegetables like beans, cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower and onions.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome Foods to Avoid (IBS Trigger Foods)

These foods most likely cause the problems:

• Insoluble(cereal) fiber
• Coffee/caffeine
• Chocolate
• Nuts

Please Note: It is advised that you take precautionary measures when using any of these home remedies for Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). If you are allergic to any of these products, you should try to avoid them.