Irritable Bowel Syndrome involves altered intestinal motility with increased sensitivity of the GI tract. There are no tissue damages or inflammation obvious other than increased sensitivity. IBS is characterised by the sensitivity of the enteric nervous system to presence, composition and volume of food in the GI Tract.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome Symptoms: Individuals with IBS tend to display sensitivity to food intake and motility. Symptoms are characterised by diarrhoea, constipation or abdominal pain. A feeling of discomfort after meals, bloating, gas and abnormal bowel movements are common symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome Precautions: People with symptoms of IBs need to be careful about taking excessive laxatives and other OTC drugs. Antibiotics and caffeine should be consumed minimally. Regularity of sleeping and eating habits as well as healthy fluid intake are necessary so that IBS is not aggravated further.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome Treatment: Dietary fat consumption should be restricted. Caffeine and sugars like glucose or fructose should be limited. Consumption of alcohol does not help the cause of IBS. Meals may be light and large meals need to be avoided.

Fibre may be necessary up to 25 gms a day. It is good to provide fibre through natural sources. However, in case of irritability to natural sources of fibre, bulk laxatives like psyllium can be administered. Coarse bran should be avoided. It is important to provide the body with adequate fluid supply when taking fibre in powdered form. Food with fibre, starch and oligosaccharides can be had – they serve as good prebiotic food. Prebiotics are food enzymes that promote growth of bacteria in the digestive system, which are beneficial to health.

Finally, it is important for people with IBS to rest calm and take up the course step-by-step. Restricting the diet due to associated symptoms would only aggravate the syndrome. A stress-free life with a balanced approach to healthy diet would help in recovering from Irritable Bowel Syndrome.