Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), sometimes called ‘spastic colon’, is a very common condition leading to symptoms like cramps, gas, bloating, pain, constipation, and diarrhea.
Smoking, eating certain foods, drinking alcohol or caffeinated drinks, or feeling stress or anxiety can alter the normal workings of the digestive tract and contribute to the motility problems that cause IBS. This doesn’t mean that you have a disease like cancer, colitis, or an ulcer, it just means that your digestive tract isn’t working the way it should. IBS appears to be directly related to diet and sympathetic nervous system over-activation. IBS can be a painful, annoying problem, but you and your doctor can do some things to resolve the problem.
Stress: If you are dealing with high stress in your life, finding ways to reduce this stress should be the first step to relieving symptoms of IBS.
Diet: Pay attention to what foods bother you, and avoid them. For example, wheat and dairy products are hard for some people to digest. Note that due to the length of your digestive tract and the time it takes for the passage of food, that any feelings of discomfort due to certain foods may show up a day or more later than their consumption, so it is helpful to keep track of food intake and symptoms with a food journal. It is also important to drink enough water. The recommended amount is 6-8 glasses of water a day. Avoid caffeine and tobacco as these are muscle stimulants and can affect the working of your digestive tract. Avoid alcohol, which can irritate your digestive tract and make your symptoms worse. If constipation is a problem, eat more fiber and be sure you have adequate magnesium in your diet or take a supplement. Fiber makes the stool softer and easier to pass through the colon.
Medications: Certain medications may also help regulate the working of your digestive tract. Your doctor may prescribe one or more for you if he or she thinks it might be effective. Medication can’t cure IBS but if diet and stress management are not relieving the condition, these medications can help manage your symptoms.