As many as 60 million people – that’s 20 percent of Americans – deal with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
IBS is a chronic condition that affects the lower gastrointestinal tract. It also causes the colon to be irritable and spastic, which causes the abdominal discomfort associated with changes in the consistency and/or frequency of bowel movements.
The causes of IBS are not fully known, but are believed to be a result of a combination of factors, including bacterial imbalance, food allergies and parasites. IBS has three subcategories:
- pain associated with diarrhea;
- pain associated with constipation;
- pain and diarrhea alternating with constipation
How does IBS affect people? People who suffer from IBS are plagued by uncomfortable and disabling symptoms like abdominal pain (the most commonly reported), bloating, and both diarrhea and constipation.
These symptoms cause them to be affected in their daily life and they also miss approximately twice as many work days per year than non-sufferers. They also report more fatigue, lack of energy, and also decreased physical functioning, and overall general health.
Treating IBS
Although there are plenty of treatments for IBS, many do not address the underlying causes of the digestive system.
The lining of the colon, or the gut, is affected in IBS and when it breaks down it can cause “leaky gut” syndrome that eventually exposes the immune system to bacteria. This lining can break down from toxic diets, too much sugar, not enough fiber and also stress.
When this happens, the immune system responds and causes changes in the body such as increased allergies, sensitivities, mood disorders, and even depression.
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To balance the gut’s ecosystem, it must be controlled and the overgrowth of bacteria must be in balance. This balance will help to resolve bloating and overall symptoms of IBS by clearing out the overgrowth of bacteria.
The best way to attack these symptoms is to repopulate your digestive tract with good bacteria. Probiotics are a great way to
