IBS - Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Most likely you have heard of IBS? Irritable Bowel Syndrome, to give it it's full name, is a digestive problem that usually causes cramps in your abdomen and bloating.

IBS is brought about by an over-activity of the muscles in the colon. While the specific cause of IBS is not known, it's understood that people who suffer from Irritable Bowel Syndrome have very sensitive muscles in the colon or large intestine as it's also known.

In an ordinary person the muscles in the colon contract a couple of times a day in order to move waste matter towards an eventual bowel movement. In an individual suffering from IBS this unique digestive disorder, the muscles in the colon will contract in response to random triggers such as stress, diet, or prolonged illness.

Usually Irritable Bowel Syndrome individuals will carry the susceptibility for years until presented with a 'trigger event'. This trigger might be a reaction to a particular food or drink item, an illness, or a stressful event such as the loss of a loved one.

There is no one way to cure this condition. For some people, the key is to avoid particular foods or drinks that activate the trigger. Because sufferers have more sensitive intestines, sometimes the problem is not a particular food, but additives or preservatives within that food. Over time, sufferers get to know which items to eliminate from their diet.

Another way of getting rid of the symptoms is to work to remove emotional triggers, or lessen their impact. While this condition isn't actually caused by strong emotions, it's often enhanced by them, so sufferers sometimes try to minimize their stress levels. Yoga and other forms of soothing exercise and alternative health practices have been found to help alleviate symptoms in some people.

If you suspect you might be suffering from this condition, it's important to see your GP in order to rule out other more serious illnesses. Your GP can also give you advice about how to manage it.