1. Faulty Large Intestines Can Lead to IBS
Irritable bowel disease, or IBS, is a common condition that occurs when the large intestine doesn't work right. Some people call it spastic colon or nervous indigestion. Women are more likely to develop IBS than men, and it is more common in young adults. People with IBS complain of stomach pain, bloating, nausea, anxiety and even depression. They experience alternating constipation and diarrhea as well as pain that disappears after a bowel movement. IBS is very annoying, but it does not require strong medication or surgery.
2. Exercise Your Stress Away
Stress can aggravate IBS, so do whatever is necessary to remain stress free. Any exercise, especially yoga or tai chi, is a good stress reliever. Pick an exercise that you enjoy and stick to it. Meditation can also be helpful. For some people, relaxing or taking up a hobby alleviates stress.
3. Infuse Your Diet With Fiber
Your diet could be the culprit for IBS if you have food allergies or if you eat too little fiber. Eating lots of fruits and vegetables can help. Soluble fiber in vegetables, fruits, oat bran and beans is best. This kind of fiber not only relieves diarrhea or constipation, but it also lowers cholesterol levels. If eating a lot of fiber doesn't help, you should take a fiber supplement at night, about an hour before bedtime. Choose a supplement made of insoluble fiber from psyllium seed husks, oat bran or pectin.
4. Write it Down
Stop eating white table sugar and even foods containing white sugar if you have IBS. Keep a food diary--use it to write down everything you eat and describe how you feel at different points throughout the day. This can be helpful because certain foods might make your IBS worse, but you might not realize it if you don't put it in writing. For example, some people with IBS find it helpful to eliminate coffee from their diets, while others do not.
5. See Your Doctor
Most people with IBS have mild symptoms, but sometimes the problem can be severe. Doctors prescribe medications for patients with painful IBS. Even antidepressants can help treat IBS. If you have symptoms of IBS, see a gastroenterologist. These doctors will perform tests that will determine if you have an inflammatory bowel disease or a blockage. Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis are treatable inflammatory bowel diseases.
