Irritable Bowel Syndrome

On this page:

• What is Irritable Bowel Syndrome(IBS)?
• What causes IBS?
• What are the symptoms of IBS?
• How is IBS diagnosed?
• What is the treatment for IBS?
• How does stress affect IBS?
• Can changes in diet help IBS?
• Is IBS linked to other diseases?
• Hope Through Research
• Points to Remember
• For More Information

Addressing IBS Naturally with AloeElite

AloeElite is a healing supplement that benefits every cell, tissue and organ in the body. For people with IBS, the healing ingredient in AloeElite (Aloe Mucilaginous Polysaccharide) works as a potent anti-inflammatory, helping to alleviate both diarrhea and constipation, it brings the body to a more normal functioning level, it acts as an intercellular antioxidant, detoxifying the body naturally, it rebuilds and repairs the protective mucosa lining throughout the digestive tract and mends the damaged tissue from mouth to rectum. It aids digestion, enabling better absorption and assimilation of nutrients from food, it balances and restores proper immune system function and the aloe mucilaginous polysaccharides contain antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, and antiparasitic properties. Many of our clients use AloeElite for moderate to severe IBS. When used as directed, we have a 97% to 98% success rate.

Find relief naturally with AloeElite.

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How does stress affect IBS?

Stress--feeling mentally or emotionally tense, troubled, angry, or overwhelmed--stimulates colon spasms in people with IBS. The colon has a vast supply of nerves that connect it to the brain. These nerves control the normal rhythmic contractions of the colon and cause abdominal discomfort at stressful times. People often experience cramps or "butterflies" when they are nervous or upset. But with IBS, the colon can be overly responsive to even slight conflict or stress. Stress also makes the mind more tuned to the sensations that arise in the colon and makes the stressed person perceive these sensations as unpleasant.

Some evidence suggests that IBS is affected by the immune system, which fights infection in the body. The immune system is also affected by stress. For all these reasons, stress management is an important part of treatment for IBS. Stress management comprises

• stress reduction (relaxation) training and relaxation therapies, such as meditation
  
   
• counseling and support
  
   
• regular exercise such as walking or yoga
  
   
• changes to the stressful situations in your life
  
   
• adequate sleep

AloeElite supports the immune system, bringing the body to a more normal functioning level.  For more information of stress management, visit the Health and Wellness section of our website.

Can changes in diet help IBS?

For many people, careful eating reduces IBS symptoms. Before changing your diet, keep a journal noting the foods that seem to cause distress. Then discuss your findings with your doctor. You may also want to consult a registered dietitian, who can help you make changes to your diet. For instance, if dairy products cause your symptoms to flare up, you can try eating less of those foods. You might be able to tolerate yogurt better than other dairy products because it contains bacteria that supply the enzyme needed to digest lactose, the sugar found in milk products. Dairy products are an important source of calcium and other nutrients. If you need to avoid dairy products, be sure to get adequate nutrients in the foods you substitute or take supplements.

In many cases, dietary fiber may lessen IBS symptoms, particularly constipation. However, it may not help pain or diarrhea. Whole grain breads and cereals, fruits, and vegetables are good sources of fiber. High-fiber diets keep the colon mildly distended, which may help prevent spasms. Some forms of fiber also keep water in the stool, thereby preventing hard stools that are difficult to pass. Doctors usually recommend a diet with enough fiber to produce soft, painless bowel movements. High-fiber diets may cause gas and bloating, but these symptoms often go away within a few weeks as your body adjusts. (For information about diets for people with celiac disease, please see the Celiac Disease fact sheet from NIDDK.)

Drinking six to eight glasses of plain water a day is important, especially if you have diarrhea. But drinking carbonated beverages, such as sodas, may result in gas and cause discomfort. Chewing gum and eating too quickly can lead to swallowing air, which again leads to gas.

Also, large meals can cause cramping and diarrhea, so eating smaller meals more often or eating smaller portions should help IBS symptoms. It may also help if your meals are low in fat and high in carbohydrates, such as pasta, rice, whole-grain breads and cereals (unless you have celiac disease), fruits, and vegetables.

For more information of diet and its role in healthy bowel function, visit the Health and Wellness section of our website.

Is IBS linked to other diseases?

IBS itself is not a disease. As its name indicates, it is a syndrome--a combination of signs and symptoms. But IBS has not been shown to lead to any serious, organic diseases, including cancer. Through the years, IBS has been called by many names, among them colitis, mucous colitis, spastic colon, or spastic bowel. However, no link has been established between IBS and inflammatory bowel diseases such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis.

Hope Through Research

The NIDDK conducts and supports research into many kinds of digestive disorders, including IBS. Researchers are studying gastrointestinal motility and sensitivity to find possible treatments for IBS. These studies include the structure and contraction of gastrointestinal muscles as well as the mechanics of fluid movement through the intestines. Understanding the influence of the nerves, hormones, and inflammation in IBS may lead to new treatments to better control the symptoms.

Points to Remember

• IBS is a disorder that interferes with the normal functions of the colon. The symptoms are crampy abdominal pain, bloating, constipation, and diarrhea.
  
   
• IBS is a common disorder found more often in women than in men and usually begins around age 20.
  
   
• People with IBS have colons that are more sensitive and react to things that might not bother other people, such as stress, large meals, gas, medicines, certain foods, caffeine, or alcohol.
  
   
• IBS is diagnosed by its symptoms and by the absence of other diseases.
  
   
• Most people can control their symptoms by taking medicines (laxatives, antidiarrhea medicines, tranquilizers, or antidepressants), reducing stress, and changing their diet.
  
   
• IBS does not harm the intestines and does not lead to cancer. It is not related to Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis.