Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a digestive problem that the Mayo Clinic says impacts as many as one in five adults, at least occasionally. It is an illness that usually reveals itself through the symptoms. As a result, physicians usually try to treat those symptoms when caring for the patient rather than focusing on the illness.
Fiber supplements
Constipation is one of the major symptoms of IBS. Patients that struggle with this problem on a regular basis go three or four days between bowel movements and suffer as a result. One of the best treatments for this problem is a fiber supplement called psyllium. The commercial name for this product is Metamucil. It introduces fiber into the system and helps the patient become more regular in his bowel movements.
Anti-Diarrhea Medication
Diarrhea is also a result of IBS. Frequent trips to the bathroom with a near-uncontrollable force or frequency can lead to pain, embarrassment and fatigue for the patient. An anti-diarrheal medication like loperamide (an over-the-counter medication known as Imodium) can help control this problem. However, it is also best to supplement this medication with a diet that includes mild and non-spicy foods. Some individuals may also benefit from cutting out foods like milk, milk products, nuts, fried foods and red meat from their diet.
Counseling
The medical community recognizes IBS as a physical illness. However, the medical community also realizes that stress and tension can make many of the symptoms of IBS worse. By talking to a counselor and getting problems and issues out in the open, it may help an individual deal with his or her problems and lessen some IBS symptoms.
