Spastic colon is another term for irritable bowel syndrome, or IBS, which is also sometimes referred to as mucous colitis and spastic bowel. Up to 20 percent of the population of the United States is affected by IBS, according to 2007 information provided by the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse. Many people are able to manage IBS by controlling their diets and managing stress.
Symptoms
Spastic colon, or IBS, can cause a wide range of symptoms, and may cause different symptoms in different people. Common symptoms include abdominal discomfort, bloating and pain. Some people may develop constipation, resulting in infrequent and difficult, and sometimes painful bowel movements. Other people may develop the opposite problem of diarrhea, or frequent, watery, loose stools. People who experience diarrhea as a result of IBS often have a sudden, uncontrollable urge to have a bowel movement.
Trigger Foods
Many people with IBS find that certain foods regularly trigger their symptoms. Keeping a journal of foods and symptoms may help you discover which foods act as trigger foods. Dairy products trigger symptoms in many people, because lactose, the sugar found in dairy, is difficult for most people to digest. Artificial sweeteners, such as saccharine or succralose, are another common trigger food. Additional foods that often cause symptoms are wheat gluten, fatty foods, red meat, chocolate, caffeine, chemical additives, alcohol and carbonated beverages. Foods that cause gas, such as cabbage, beans, broccoli or cauliflower, may also trigger symptoms.
Fiber
For some people with IBS, low dietary fiber makes symptoms worse, and adding fiber to the diet can help relieve symptoms. To avoid excess gas and bloating, you should slowly increase your daily fiber intake, adding only 2 to 3 additional grams of fiber per day. Increasing fiber content often greatly improves constipation. Having large amount of fiber in your diet increases the bulk of stools, and causes the intestines to become slightly distended, which can decrease the frequency of colon spasms. Eating high fiber foods, such as whole grain wheat, fruits and vegetables, are the best way to add fiber to your diet, although in certain situations, your doctor may recommend taking fiber supplements.
Portion Size and Frequency
Large meals are more likely to cause cramping, colon spasms and diarrhea. Eating smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day may help decrease symptoms of IBS. Eating your meals at the same time each day may also help to improve intestinal function and reduce symptoms. Drinking plenty of water -- 6 to 8 glasses per day -- can also help ease symptoms of IBS.
