If you have chronic gas, constipation and stomach pains after eating, talk with your doctor about testing for irritable bowel syndrome, or IBS. About 20 percent of the American population suffers from IBS, according to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse. These symptoms are common with IBS and may be treatable through dietary changes, lifestyle modification and medication. Your doctor will be able to diagnose and treat your condition.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
IBS is a digestive condition that primarily affects the large intestine. Your digestive system is lined with soft tissue and muscle. As waste moves through your intestines, the muscles in the lining force movement until the waste reaches your anus, where it is expelled. Although the exact cause of the condition is unclear, most doctors believe that IBS is caused by irregular muscle contractions. Some people with IBS experience chronic diarrhea and others develop chronic constipation. If you're chronically constipated, your muscles do not contract enough.
Certain Foods
In some cases of IBS, no matter what food you eat, you're constipated, but some cases of IBS constipation only form around certain foods. The most common foods that trigger IBS symptoms include chocolate, caffeinated beverages, alcohol, dairy products, fruits, vegetables and artificial sweeteners. Create a dietary log of the foods you eat in a day and how they affect your body. Keep the log for two weeks and then share your findings with your doctor to determine which foods you should avoid.
Symptoms
Symptoms vary between individuals, but some symptoms are fairly common. Common symptoms include gas, stomach pain, abdominal cramping, bloating, diarrhea, constipation, nausea and vomiting. Most symptoms are treated by modifying the diet and reducing stress in your life. If these modifications don't improve your constipation or other symptoms, your doctor may consider medication. Alarming symptoms include severe stomach pain, blood in your stool or blood in your vomit.
Fiber Consideration
Fiber is a recommended treatment by MayoClinic.com for people with IBS, especially if you suffer from chronic constipation. Fiber is found in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and legumes. Slowly increase the amount of fiber in your diet until you notice a change in your bowel movements. Increasing too much fiber too fast can cause stomach cramping, bloating and gas. If increasing your daily fiber causes increased IBS symptoms, discontinue eating the added fiber.
