Irritable Bowel Syndrome
In irritable bowel syndrome (irritable colon), intestinal function is disturbed. As a result, the stool changes: patients often suffer from diarrhea or constipation. In some patients, however, the bowel movements are unchanged. They mainly suffer from pain or flatulence, a bloated abdomen and outgoing intestinal wind. However, these symptoms also frequently occur in combination with diarrhea and constipation.
Symptoms
What To Expect
Irritable bowel syndrome can vary greatly from person to person. The symptoms can also wax and wane, stop altogether, or recur. In some patients with irritable bowel syndrome, diarrhea, constipation, pain and flatulence alternate. Often, the disease significantly affects the quality of life. If sufferers can find out what triggers their symptoms, they have a better prognosis. Around 34 percent of patients succeed in alleviating their symptoms through targeted behavioral changes and therapeutic measures, or they even become completely symptom-free.
Made Worse By
Avoid foods with artificial additives. No raw food in the evening: Salads, raw fruit or vegetables easily overload the intestines, especially late in the day. Chew well when eating, because healthy digestion begins in the mouth. Exercise helps!
How Common
IBS is very common: 50% of all people with gastrointestinal symptoms have IBS, and women are affected twice as often as men.
Diagnosed By
The diagnosis of irritable bowel syndrome is a so-called diagnosis of exclusion. This means that the doctor must first rule out other possible causes for the complaints before an irritable bowel syndrome can be assumed. The right person to contact if irritable bowel syndrome is suspected is an internal medicine specialist who specializes in diseases of the digestive tract: a gastroenterologist. At the medical appointment, the doctor will first inquire about your current complaints and any previous illnesses (medical history). In many cases, it is useful to keep a food log and diary of your exact complaints and discuss the results with the doctor. In particular, this can often reveal a connection between certain foods and the complaints. There are also special questionnaires for irritable bowel syndrome.
Products that may help Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Herbs that may help Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Remedies that may help with Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Psyllium to Regulate Diarrhoea
Psyllium and psyllium husks have a mild laxative effect on constipation and a regulating effect on diarrhea.
- Take 1 heaped tsp of seeds and husks.
- Mix with at least 150 ml of water.
- Take 2-3 times daily.
- Or mix with food and drink up to 150 ml of water.
- Seeds may be soaked in cool water overnight before taking.