What is Irritable Bowel Syndrome?

Irritable bowel syndrome, or IBS, is a disorder of the intestines causing cramping, bloating, belly pain, diarrhea and constipation. We don’t know exactly what the root cause of IBS is, except that the intestines don’t work as they should to process food.

What triggers IBS?

Any number of things can trigger IBS. Certain people have specific foods they must avoid that are IBS triggers. Common triggers include:

• Food – Different foods trigger IBS in different people
• Stress – Stress can do a number on anyone’s system, even those without IBS.
• Hormones – Elevated hormones in women during menstruation and pregnancy can affect IBS.
• Antibiotics – Certain antibiotics can trigger IBS in some people.
• Genetics – A family history of IBS can increase the likelihood of having it.

Symptoms of IBS

Symptoms can include abdominal pain, cramping, bloating, diarrhea, constipation and gas. Symptoms can come and go, and vary for different people. Those with IBS usually experience either constipation or diarrhea.

Fructose and IBS

Studies have shown that at least one third to one half of people with IBS also suffer from fructose intolerance. Fructose intolerance is an intolerance to the simple sugar found in honey, many fruits and soda. It is also in high fructose corn syrup, which is a sweetener put in almost every liquid beverage, from soda to lemonade to bottled fruit juices.

Symptoms of fructose intolerance are the same as symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome and include pain, bloating, diarrhea and constipation. In some studies, those who removed fructose from their diet completely experienced relief from their IBS symptoms.

Fat and IBS

Studies have shown that people with IBS tend to consume more calories from fat than from carbohydrates, as is recommended. Ideally, those with IBS should make fat only twenty five percent of their diet.

Systematic elimination of certain foods has been shown to help many with IBS. By eliminating then re-introducing a food to your diet, you can determine if a specific food it triggering your IBS. Many have found relief eliminating dairy or gluten (wheat) from their diets, as they are common irritants. Fructose and fat are two other groups that should be looked into.

Find additional ways to alleviate your symptoms of IBS here.