Cramping, abdominal pain, bloating, constipation, and diarrhea are common symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). IBS does not damage the intestines or lead to more serious disease such as cancer, but it does cause a great deal of distress and discomfort and it can be disabling as some sufferers are unable to work, attend social functions or travel. Approximately 20% of the U.S. population suffers from IBS, making it one of the most common complaints diagnosed by doctors. It begins at younger than age 35 in about half of sufferers and is more common in women than in men.

Symptoms vary from person to person. Some suffer from constipation with straining and cramping when they try to have a bowel movement. Often there is mucus in stools. Others may have diarrhea with frequent, uncontrollable urges to have a bowel movement. Still others alternate between periods of constipation and diarrhea.

There is no specific known cause of IBS. It is believed that some people have a colon or large intestine that is particularly sensitive and reactive to certain trigger foods and stress. IBS is believed to involve the lining of the intestine, which is affected by the immune system and the nervous system. As a result, IBS sufferers' intestinal tracts react to stimuli such as certain foods and stress that do not bother other people. Recent research indicates that the neurotransmitter serotonin may play a big role in IBS. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter whose levels are associated with increase risk of depression and migraine headaches. It is less widely known that about 95% of serotonin is found in the GI tract. Cells in the lining of the intestines transport serotonin out of the intestinal tract. People with IBS, however, have diminished serotonin receptor activity in the intestinal tract, which causes higher levels than normal and may contribute to intestinal hyper-reactivity. Researchers are also looking at infection as a cause of IBS. Research has also identified mild celiac disease in some sufferers of IBS symptoms. Celiac disease results from an intolerance of gluten, a substance found in wheat, barley, and rye. People with celiac disease cannot eat gluten-containing foods because their immune systems react to gluten to cause damage to the small intestine. A blood test for celiac disease can determine if this is the cause of IBS in some cases.

Up to 70% of sufferers are not receiving treatment of their IBS symptoms. There is no cure of IBS at this time. Medications have been used to treat symptoms with varying success. There is one medication indicated for IBS, but it is subject to significant restrictions by the FDA because of the potential for severe side effects. The most effective treatment appears to involve changes in the diet. Drinking six to eight glasses of water per day is very important. Water helps to soften stools in constipation and to avoid dehydration with diarrhea. Eating smaller meals more frequently seems to reduce symptoms. There are long lists of trigger foods in IBS including red meat, fried foods, dairy products, egg yolks, both regular and decaf coffee, alcohol, carbonation, artificial sweeteners and artificial fats.

Consultations are available at our Total Health and Wellness Center for irritable bowel syndrome and many other diseases. Call us at (575) 737-5810 for more information.

References: http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/ibs/, http://www.helpforibs.com/diet/how_to_eat.asp#tips.

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