Irritable Bowel Syndrome -- IBS -- is a gastrointestinal disorder in which the muscle of the intestinal walls contracts abnormally. In patients with IBS, the contractions are stronger and last longer than in normal people, causing irregular movement of food through the digestive tract. According to MayoClinic.com, nearly 20 percent of Americans have IBS, and women are two to three times more likely to suffer from the disorder than men. The website also states that many cases of IBS may be improved through changes in diet, including addition of probiotics such as Lactobacillus acidophilus.
Symptoms
The symptoms of IBS usually include abdominal bloating or pain. Some people may also experience constipation, producing small amounts hard stool that sometimes contain mucus. Other patients may experience diarrhea, with frequent bowel movements. Occasionally, symptoms may alternate between constipation and diarrhea. The National Digestive Diseases Clearinghouse reports that some patients experience improvement in symptoms followed by new episodes, while for others, the symptoms are constant and increase in severity over time.
Causes of IBS
Although the specific cause of IBS is unknown, the Clearinghouse suggests that people whose colons are especially sensitive to stress and to certain foods may be most likely to develop the disorder. It also states that the immune system may be involved. Abnormalities in serotonin, a neurotransmitter produced in the intestines, may also cause hypersensitivity to intestinal pain in IBS patients. Some people also tend to develop IBS after suffering a bacterial infection in the gastrointestinal tract.
Management with Diet
Some IBS patients benefit from dietary changes, including addition of fiber-rich foods such as whole grain breads and cereals, vegetables or fruits. Fiber helps keep the stool well hydrated and moving smoothly through the colon. Drinking lots of water may also help, especially for patients who suffer from diarrhea. Eating small, frequent meals is also a good strategy to minimize cramping and intestinal spasms. Adding foods rich in probiotics, the normal, healthy bacteria found in the intestines, may also help IBS patients.
Use of Probiotics
Colonies of healthy bacteria such as Lactobacillus live in the gastrointestinal tract and help digestion by breaking down fiber and other dietary components. Their presence is important to maintain the correct balance with other, less desirable bacteria such as E. coli and to prevent overgrowth of these bacteria. According to the IBS Newsletter, patients may benefit from adding probiotic products containing Lactobacillus acidophilus to their diet.
Sources of Lactobacillus
Lactobacillus acidophilus is sometimes referred to as acidophilus. It is found in most yogurts that are not pasteurized or homogenized, and in many other milk products. The bacteria may also be added to milk or milk products; this is indicated on the product label. Other natural sources of acidophilus include kefir, another form of cultured milk, and tempeh, a fermented soybean product. These products should be consumed unheated, since heat will kill the live bacterial cultures. Anyone with IBS should consult a doctor to discuss whether adding dietary acidophilus is appropriate.
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