Irritable Bowel Syndrome Causes, Symptoms, Remedies

Irritable bowel syndrome is one of the common digestive disorders in humans. It is a set of gastrointestinal symptoms, such as abdominal pain and bowel movement pattern changes. While it presents chronic symptoms, it does not indicate an underlying damage. The following are the causes, signs and symptoms, and home remedies for irritable bowel syndrome.

Causes

According to Web MD, the exact cause for irritable bowel syndrome is idiopathic or unknown; however, experts think that it is due to an impaired communication between the nervous and the gastrointestinal system. In the same root, experts believe that such ineffective relay of signals between the two body systems result to changes in the speed of abdominal muscle contractions or spasms. As per the publication, some factors contribute to the condition and these include eating, stress and psychological issues like anxiety and depression, hormonal changes like in the menstrual cycle, medications like antibiotics, digestive tract infection like salmonella, and genetics.

Signs and Symptoms

Irritable bowel syndrome presents a number of symptoms. According to NHS UK, the symptoms include abdominal or stomach pain or cramping, which is relieved upon passage of stools, bloating and swelling of the stomach, excessive flatulence, urgency to go to the toilet, a feeling that the bowels have not completely emptied after going to the restroom, presence of mucus in the stools, and changes in bowel habits, which include diarrhea and constipation. As per Web MD, the latter two symptoms are related to the changes in the abdominal muscle contractions related to the miscommunication between the brain and the intestines.

Home Remedies

Irritable bowel syndrome may be treated with medications like anticholinergics and antidiarrheals. As supplemental treatment, remedies can also be done at home to help manage the condition.

Yogurt

One remedy for irritable bowel syndrome is yogurt. According to Top 10 Home Remedies, it contains live cultures that counters diarrhea, one of the symptoms of the condition. As per the publication, the bacteria found in yogurt give layers of protection to the intestines, as well as lactic acid, which eliminates bacterial toxins from the system. The person just has to eat yogurt or make a smoothie out of it and consume for several times a day until resolution of symptoms. As an option, the person may also mix half teaspoon of psyllium husks and a cup of yogurt. The resulting preparation is consumed an hour after lunch and dinner. The remedy is also done everyday until the symptoms resolve.

Fiber

Another way to control the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome is to consume fiber-rich foods. According to Best Health Magazine, fiber helps absorb liquid in the intestines, which aids prevent diarrhea. Examples of food choices that are excellent sources of fiber include oatmeal, beans, strawberries, apples, and grapefruit. The person may also take psyllium, a primary ingredient in dietary fiber supplements. As per the publication, it is best to drink at least six to eight glasses of water daily to promote smooth fiber movement through the systems.

Exercise

Aside from food intake, exercise also helps manage irritable bowel syndrome symptoms. According to Health Line, exercise helps relieve stress, anxiety, and depression, especially when it is done regularly. In this regard, relief of stress s followed by reduction of bowel discomfort. As per the American Heart Association, as cited by the publication, a 30-minute exercise daily is recommended, for five days weekly.

Irritable bowel syndrome involves symptoms that affect a person’s activities of daily living and total health status. So, it is best to seek medical consult with a health professional for proper medical advice, which includes assessment, goal-setting, implementation, education, and evaluation.

 

 

Source: totalhealth.co.uk

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