What is Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)?

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a common functional disorder of the digestive system. The wide range of symptoms can be difficult and embarrassing to deal with, but can be controlled to an extent with particular lifestyle habits and a considered diet. IBS often appears for the first time between the ages of 20 and 30 and 1 in 5 in the UK are thought to experience it at some point in their lives. It is more common amongst women than men.

IBS SYMPTOMS

Common Symptoms:

Bowel Changes: Constipation, Diarrhoea, or a fluctuation between the two. Either way this kind of toilet behaviour is unhealthy. A healthy stool (figure 4 on the Bristol Stool Chart) should be an expected occurrence.
Abdominal pain
Bloating
Flatulence
Desperate need for the toilet or feeling like not everything has been passed after you’ve been to the toilet.
Stools containing mucus

Other Symptoms:

Lethargy
Backache
Nausea
Poor appetite
Heartburn
Belching
Urgent need to urinate. Difficulty emptying bladder.
Incontinence
Dyspareunia (pain during sex)

Follow On Symptoms: 

Depression and anxiety are often linked to IBS because of the stress and embarrassment it can put on those who suffer from it.

IBS Causes

Due to its complicated nature, the cause of IBS is mainly unknown. For some reason, the digestive system is not processing food correctly. It is thought that this could be due to an increase in sensitivity or simply issues to do with digestion. Psychological reasons could have a role to play as well as intense stress or anxiety can cause havoc on your digestive system. 

IBS Treatment

The most successful treatment of IBS is a holistic approach based on good diet, herbs and nutrition.
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