Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common digestive disorder characterized by abdominal pain, cramping, and changes in normal bowel function, including bloating, gas, diarrhea, and irritable bowel syndrome constipation. As many as one in five adults in the United States have irritable bowels. It is a functional disorder, which means that there are no structural abnormalities seen on x-ray, endoscopy, or blood tests.
Irritable bowel syndrom is characterized by a group of symptoms that an individual had had for at least 12 weeks in the last 12 months. Irritable bowel symptoms always involve abdominal pain or discomfort along with two of the following three characteristics:
- Irritable Bowel pain or discomfort relieved by defecation
- Change in the frequency of bowel movements
- Change in the appearance of stools
Symptoms of Irritable Bowels can get in the way of daily activities and can affect both the young and old. However there are a variety of things an individual can do to find Irritable Bowel relief. Peppermint oil is a widely used irritable bowel treatment. It is thought to reduce the abdominal pain and bloating of irritable bowel syndrome, possibly by blocking the movement of calcium into muscle cells in the intestines and easing excessive muscle contraction there. Peppermint is considered a carminative herb, which means that it is used to eliminate excess gas in the intestines.
Taking probiotics is another helpful remedy for many people. Probiotics are live microbial organisms that are sometimes referred to as “friendly” bacteria, probiotics are thought to promote health include suppressing the growth of potentially harmful bacteria, improving immune function, enhancing the protective barrier of the digestive tract, and helping to produce vitamin K. There are over 400 species of microorganisms in the human digestive tract and the balance between beneficial bacteria and potentially harmful bacteria is important. One theory is that people with irritable bowel syndrome may have an imbalance in their normal intestinal bacteria, with an overgrowth of gas-producing bacteria.
Another popular treatment for IBS is partially hydrolyzed guar gum (PHGG) is a water soluble, non-gelling fiber that may help to reduce constipation and to a lesser extent diarrhea and abdominal pain in people with irritable bowel syndrome. PHGG also appears to increase the amount of beneficial bacteria, lactobacilli and bifidobacteria in the intestines. Trying one of the above natural remedies may decrease the symptoms of IBS and increase the chance of having a joy filled day.
