The Irritation in Irritable Bowel Syndrome

If you have ever had diarrhea for a week, then you were constipated for a week, or you have had diarrhea immediately following breakfast, then you probably had trouble figuring out what was going on with your body. The doctor may have mentioned that you have irritable bowel syndrome, also known as IBS. These are not the only symptoms of IBS, but these are very common symptoms, especially for those who are under a lot of stress.

When I was attending college in 1997, I was in my third year of school and I was having these symptoms. In addition, I was struggling with horrible bloating, gas and abdominal cramping. Many times when I felt like I had to have a bowel movement, the urge to go would be pretty severe, nearly making me rush to the bathroom. When this first started, I sincerely believed I had a stomach virus. The only thing I couldn't figure out, is that I never had nausea, and the cramping would go away after I had a bowel movement.

Going to the doctor sent me a on a journey of more doctors visits that ultimately led me being send to a gastroenterologist. Once I went to the gastroenterologist, I was asked more questions, which then resulted in scheduling a colonoscopy. I did have one symptom which the doctors advised me was not characteristic of Irritable Bowel Syndrome, and that was blood in the stool. However, the colonoscopy was vital in out ruling colon polyps and colon cancer.

In talking with my gastroenterologist, the main suggestion was to cut down on caffeine, because there really isn't a medication that you can take for irritable bowel syndrome. In addition, the doctor also suggested staying away from fried foods or high fat foods. High fat foods and fried foods only make it harder on your liver to process anything that goes through it. When your liver works harder, it wears down and the best way to start alleviating it is to rest it.

There are some other small things that you can do to aid in helping ease the war on your bowels and digestive system. After a meal, you can eat some crystallized ginger, or drink some ginger tea. According to Dr. Jordin Rubin in the Maker's Diet, ginger aids in good digestion and relaxes the liver, and you can get a regular ginger tea, or a double ginger tea which is a little spicy so be prepared! It's very good though if you can handle it. If you don't like ginger, you can certainly have chamomile tea as well which is also good for the digestive system.

Overall, the key with Irritable Bowel Syndrome is to eat a healthy diet, high in fiber, fruits and vegetables and green leafy vegetables. The increase in fiber should help regulate your bowels over time, and this may work faster for some than others. As always, consult with your physician before you try anything whether it's an herbal supplement or if it's a prescription medication.

Jordin Rubin, N M.D., Ph. D.
The Maker's Diet
2003