Nearly 6% to 18% of people are affected by irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). The syndrome is characterised by variations in the bowel movements and pain in the lower abdomen. They are many foods which may trigger the syndrome but they are inherently different for each person due to differences in body structure, environment, heredity, and other psychological factors. IBS may be induced by constipation in some people and by diarrhea by some people.

What do you need to know about irritable bowel syndrome?

• IBS is also known as irritable colon, spastic colon, mucous colitis, and spastic colitis.
• It can last from three days to three months and too few days every month.
• Symptoms vary in intensity and duration from person to person.

What are the initial signs of IBS?

• The most common, visible symptom of IBS is the abdominal pain.
• Diarrheal leads to accelerated bowel movement even leading to stress as some patients avoid social outings fearing a sudden onset. Even the stool in such cases is watery and loose causing all the more trepidation.
• Constipation in some people causes IBS. Changed patterns of the communication pathway between brain and bowel slow down the bowel movement making it more strenuous to pass stool.
• Alternate patterns of constipation and diarrhea lead to chronic abdominal pain. Affecting nearly 20% of the people, it is more severe and intense.
• Gas and bloating is a commonly visible sign as the changed digestion patterns produce more gas causing discomfort.
• Certain foods trigger IBS but they are different for different people. Some common ones are lactose, gluten, and gas-inducing foods.
• Difficulty in falling asleep and fatigue is a preclude to IBS.
• Anxiety and depression

What foods trigger IBS?
IBS works differently for everyone, but awareness about the susceptible trigger foods can help in prevention.

• Bread and cereals contain refined flour instead of whole wheat flour.
• Processed and packaged foods such as chips.
• Coffee, carbonated drinks, alcohol.
• Fried food.
• Dairy products.
• Gas-producing foods such as broccoli, cabbage, onions.
• Stress-inducing issues such as work problems or problems at home.
• Certain antibiotics or anti-depressants.

How to diagnose IBS?
Doctors may take one or more of the following steps to rule out other causes.

• Ask you to cut certain foods or include some to ascertain food allergies if any.
• Ask you to get your stool examined for probable infection.
• Ask you to have a blood test done for possible anemia.
• Go for a colonoscopy when there the doctor suspects colitis.

What are the home remedies to treat IBS?
Lifestyle changes and home remedies can bring relief to some extent. But everyone has a different body type so; one needs to find what works best.

• Regular exercising relieves stress, anxiety, and bouts of depression. This subsequently stimulates bowel movements and helps in reducing discomfort.
• Relaxation techniques like muscle relaxation, visualizing positive images can relieve.
• High-fiber foods such as fruits, vegetables, and beans are recommended for consumption over a period of time to show a substantial benefit.
• Lactose intolerance often causes IBS. Try consuming yogurt or ask your doctor for an enzyme product to help process lactose.
• Over the counter medications need to be taken strictly according to instructions on them to avoid worsening of the problem.
• Be aware of the foods that suit your body type and what foods to avoid to provide relief to your symptoms.
• Drink water aplenty through the day to keep the bowels flushed. Be sure not to drink water along with meals, only an hour before or after the meals.
• Discuss the matter with your health care provider without inhibitions so as to arrive at lifestyle changes and solutions to address IBS .