Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Definition of Irritable Bowel Syndrome:

An unpleasant though generally harmless condition that causes upset intestines for a long period of time.  Symptoms vary from person to person and day to day.  An IBS diagnosis requires at least three of the following symptoms to be present: lower abdominal pain; bloating; constipation; diarrhea, constipation, or alternating diarrhea and constipation; nausea; loss of appetite; tummy rumbling; flatulence; mucus in stools; indigestion; constant tiredness; frequent urination; low back pain; painful intercourse for women.  There are three subtypes: IBS-D (IBS with mainly diarrhea), IBS-C (IBS with mainly constipation), and IBS-A (IBS with alternating diarrhea and constipation).

Also: IBS, IBS-A, IBS-C, IBS-D

Topics Related to Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Acupuncture

...as a treatment
“...Commonly treated conditions ... IBS...”

Bacterial Dysbiosis

...the condition
“...This condition has been described in patients with irritable bowel syndrome and food intolerance...”
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More topics Related to Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Bayberry

...as a treatment
“...Bayberry's astringency is thought to help intestinal disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome and mucous colitis...”

Chanca Piedra (Break-Stone)

...as a treatment
“...It is also used there, for inflammation of the bowels (IBS), pimples, diabetes, and ulcers...”

Chinese Skullcap

...as a treatment
“...With its potent anti-inflammatory properties, Chinese skullcap has been shown to be an effective home remedy for arthritis and irritable bowel syndrome patients.  These same anti-inflammatory properties also appear to benefit patients with Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease...”

Chronic Fatigue / Fibromyalgia Syndrome

...relationship to IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome)
“Research has shown that IBS frequently co-exists with CFS and fibromyalgia...”

Crohn's Disease

...our question about Amount of dairy product consumption
“Johne's disease (paratuberculosis) is an infection that cows pass on to humans as irritable bowel syndrome.  It has no cure and costs dairy producers over $1.5 billion each year [Source: USDA]...”
...recommendation Dairy Products Avoidance
“...Occasionally, the milk-borne bacteria will begin to grow in the human host, and irritable bowel syndrome and Crohn's disease results...”

Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome

...the condition
“...Weight loss; Depression; Gastroesophageal reflux (GERD); Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS); Tooth decay”

Delayed Gastric Emptying (Gastroparesis)

...the condition
“...Delayed gastric emptying is also associated with a variety of symptoms or diseases such as heartburn, irritable bowel syndrome, functional dyspepsia and GERD...”

Depression

...relationship to IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome)
“October, 2013: Researchers from the Alimentary Pharmabiotic Centre at University College Cork reported that psychological factors such as anxiety and depression may be the central drivers of IBS, rather than the inflammation originating in the gut itself...”

Diarrhea

...the condition
“...There are many different causes, including drugs and chemicals; infection with viruses, bacteria, or parasites; certain foods; stress; tumors; and chronic disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease, and malabsorption syndromes...”

Digestive Habit Changes

...as a treatment
“...A high-fiber diet also helps prevent or treat certain conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome, diverticulosis, and hemorrhoids...”

Diverticular Disease

...related topic
“...Diverticulosis may not cause any symptoms but could include mild cramps, bloating and constipation – all of which are common to other conditions such as IBS or ulcers...”
...recommendation High/Increased Fiber Diet
“...Complications from intestinal diseases such as diverticulosis or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) are prevented by a diet rich in high fiber foods...”

Endometriosis

...the condition
“...masquerade as several other conditions, including adenomyosis, appendicitis, ovarian cysts, bowel obstructions, colon cancer, diverticulitis, fibroid tumors, gonorrhea, inflammatory bowel disease, irritable bowel syndrome, ovarian cancer, and pelvic inflammatory disease...”

Gallbladder Disease

...the condition
“...Symptoms of Gallbladder Disease and Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) can be somewhat similar, including difficulty digesting fatty foods...”

Gluten Sensitivity / Celiac Disease

...the condition
“...Craving high sugar foods; Frequent intestinal bloating or gas especially after eating; Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS); Acid reflux / GERD / heartburn; Indigestion; Constipation; Diarrhea; Frequent nausea and or vomiting; Difficulty gaining weight; Iron deficiency anemia; Head, Brain and...”

High/Increased Fiber Diet

...as a treatment
“...Water insoluble fiber assists in maintaining regular bowel movements, but may have an adverse or detrimental effect on irritable bowel syndrome and Crohn's disease...”

Hypercoagulation (Thickened Blood)

...the condition
“...This list currently includes CFS/FMS, myofascial pain syndrome, osteonecrosis of the jaw, fetal loss, multiple sclerosis, Crohn's disease, Sjogren's syndrome, IBS, Lyme disease, autism, gulf war illness and ADD...”

IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome)

...the condition
“Alternative names: Spastic Colon Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common disorder of the intestines affecting perhaps 20% of the adult population that leads to pain, gassiness, bloating, and changes in bowel habits...”
...our question about Bloating after eating certain foods
“...Irritable Bowel Syndrome can be triggered by certain foods...”
...relationship to Bacterial Dysbiosis
“...IBS has been studied in patients with diarrhea, cramps and specific food intolerances...”
...relationship to Allergy to Foods (Hidden)
“The presence of food allergy is concealed in a variety of diagnoses including irritable bowel syndrome.”
...recommendation Dandelion
“...These bitters are responsible for dandelion's effectiveness against digestive disorders such as IBS, stimulating the functions of the stomach, liver and bile...”
...recommendation Peppermint Oil
“Enteric-coated Peppermint oil has been used in treating the irritable bowel syndrome in Europe for many years...”
...recommendation Ozone / Oxidative Therapy
“...of ozone therapy claim that it kills bad bacteria in the gut, helps to neutralize excess acid, balances the metabolic rate, improves vitamin and mineral absorption, and thereby reduces symptoms of IBS such as diarrhea and constipation.”
...recommendation Dairy Products Avoidance
“...Occasionally, the milk-borne bacteria will begin to grow in the human host, and irritable bowel syndrome and Crohn's disease results...”
...recommendation Marijuana
“There are quite a few people who use marijuana to control the symptoms of abdominal pain and nausea associated with irritable bowel syndrome.  Some make the claim that this helps more than any other thing they have tried.”
...recommendation Magnesium
“Magnesium is commonly used for treating abdominal cramps and constipation and is therefore useful for IBS-C.  Magnesium attracts water, softening stool and making it easier to pass...”
...recommendation Licorice Root
“Licorice root extract can help with IBS as it is anti-inflammatory and is said to soothe irritated intestinal mucous membranes by stimulating mucus production...”
...recommendation Gamma Oryzanol
“Gamma oryzanol is a remedy for many gastrointestinal disorders, including IBS.  Studies have shown that it helps regulate the nervous system and stimulate anti-oxidant activity to protect the mucous lining of the gastrointestinal tract.”
...recommendation Cranberry Juice
“Although it is not a cure for IBS, the antioxidants and flavonoids found in cranberry juice can help calm inflammation in the stomach and digestive tract due to IBS...”
...recommendation Antibiotics
“Research suggests that IBS can be caused by an unhealthy imbalance of gut bacteria (Small Intestinal Bacteria Overgrowth or SIBO)...”
...recommendation Calcium
“...It is important to note that there are two types of supplemental calcium, which for IBS can have either a laxative or constipating effect: Calcium carbonate contains no magnesium and can help with diarrhea in those with IBS-D; Calcium citrate contains magnesium and can therefore...”
...recommendation Vitamin K
“Those with IBS should ensure adequate vitamin K intake as a deficiency can worsen the symptoms of IBS, including bloody stool, indigestion and diarrhea.”
...recommendation American Skullcap
“American skullcap supports the nerves that regulate the function of the intestinal muscles and is considered to be an analgesic which, when consumed, can provide extensive pain relief to IBS patients.”
...recommendation High/Increased Fiber Diet
“Dietary fiber may lessen IBS symptoms in many cases...”
...recommendation Slippery Elm
“...It is used in the treatment of IBS because its mucilage-like consistency is believed to soothe irritated tissue in the digestive system...”
...recommendation Smaller, More Frequent Meals
“Large meals can cause cramping and diarrhea for those with IBS.  Symptoms may be eased if you eat smaller meals more often or just eat smaller portions...”
...recommendation Stress Management
“Stress stimulates colonic spasm in people with IBS.  Stress reduction (relaxation) training or counseling and support help relieve IBS symptoms in some people.”
...recommendation Valerian Root
“...It is effective against muscle spasms and cramps, including those in the digestive tract that are caused by IBS.”
...recommendation Vitamin A
“...Vitamin A deficiency can worsen diarrhea symptoms in IBS because of reduced mucous membrane health...”
...recommendation Vitamin B12 (Cobalamine)
“Vitamins B12, A, D, E and K along with calcium and a lactose-free diet are often recommended by clinicians treating IBS.”
...recommendation Vitamin E
“...It also has a soothing and calming effect on the bowel, helping to reduce the inflammation associated with IBS.”
...recommendation Chinese Skullcap
“Chinese skullcap is particularly valued for its anti-inflammatory qualities and is known to provide relief to those with IBS.”
...recommendation Vitamin D
“Vitamin D can inhibit the inflammatory mediators that develop in the intestinal wall after a gastrointestinal infection, and helps ease the symptoms of IBS.  A 2012 study involving 37 patients found that 26 reported easing of IBS symptoms following supplementation with vitamin D.”
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More topics Related to Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Indian Long Pepper

...as a treatment
“...reducing body fat; preventing lung disorders; supporting skeletal function; increasing bone strength; slowing the aging process; anemia; rheumatoid arthritis; tuberculosis; malaria; insect bites; irritable bowel syndrome (IBS); hiccups; increasing breast milk production; Indian long pepper interacts with certain drugs, such as Phenytoin, Propranolol, and Theophylline...”

Interstitial Cystitis

...the condition
“...Interstitial cystitis patients often have other chronic conditions as well, such as allergies, irritable bowel syndrome, and sensitive skin...”
...relationship to IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome)
“Interstitial cystitis often occurs alongside Irritable Bowel Syndrome.  In fact, several studies suggest that interstitial cystitis patients are 100 times more likely to have irritable bowel syndrome than those without.”

Noni

...as a treatment
“...It is also used for asthma; digestive disorders including ulcers; irritable bowel syndrome; constipation and diarrhea; and fibromyalgia, a condition characterized by fatigue and chronic pain...”

Psyllium

...as a treatment
“...Psyllium is used for treating chronic constipation, stool softening (hemorrhoids, post-rectal surgery), irritable bowel syndrome, and to increase dietary fiber...”

Schisandra Berry

...as a treatment
“...Other Uses ... Irritable bowel syndrome: Chinese herbal combination formula containing wormwood, ginger, bupleurum, schisandra, dan shen, and other extracts...”

Sjogren's Syndrome

...the condition
“...renal tubular acidosis – a risk factor for kidney stones, glomerular disease); Gastrointestinal symptoms Swallowing difficulty due to decreased saliva production; Constipation; Food intolerances; Irritable Bowel Syndrome; Heartburn; Indigestion; Inflammation of blood vessels (vasculitis); Connective tissue disorders; Debilitating fatigue; The doctor will first take a detailed medical...”

Subclinical

...related topic
“...Those years of poor digestion, heartburn, and the systematic suppression of upper intestinal function by adrenalin stress have not yet become overt gastritis, ulcers, or IBS.”

Vinegar

...as a treatment
“...For indigestion, gastric reflux, IBS, bad breath, diverticulitis, fatty liver, lactose intolerance, allergies, fatigue...”

Yeast / Candida Infection

...the condition
“...Gastrointestinal ... Irritable bowel syndrome...”

Zinc Requirement

...the condition
“...diseases (such as multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis or psoriasis); atopic problems (allergy, eczema, asthma or migraine); or many of the inflammatory diseases (such as osteoarthritis, ME or irritable bowel syndrome), have a consistent, and often severe, zinc deficiency, which is greatly benefited by a programme of zinc replacement therapy...”
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