Irritable Bowl Syndrome (IBS) often comes down to combination of dietary and lifestyle factors negatively affecting the “terrain” and movement of the intestines. The enteric nervous system, which controls intestinal function, has as many neurons and neurotransmitters as the brain itself. The intestines also contain the majority of our immune system along with housing hundreds of millions of microorganisms, like bacteria and fungus. Getting this diverse system back under control and not so irritable can take some work. Depending on whether constipation and/or diarrhea are the concern, I would start to have all of your vegetables cooked while avoiding all disaccharide containing foods like refined grains, beans, fruits and non fermented dairy. High doses of functional fermented foods, like kimchi, natto, miso, kefir or yogurt may be consumed with or without a good quality lactose free probiotic supplement. All of this should be done while controlling stress through regular exercise and abdominal breathing practice.
Frequent Signs and Symptoms
■ Cramp-like pain in the middle or to one side of the lower abdomen
■ Pain usually relieved with bowel movements
■ Loose or more frequent painful bowel movements
■ Diarrhea or constipation, usually alternating
■ Symptoms of upset stomach: flatulence, nausea, loss of appetite
■ Headache, backache
■ Rectal pain
■ Fatigue
■ Varying degrees of anxiety or depression
■ Excessive secretion of colonic mucus
It is extremely important to consult a physician for a proper diagnosis of IBS. The following conditions may mimic IBS and must be ruled out:
■ diverticular disease
■ infectious diarrhea, such as amebiasis or giardiasis
■ inflammatory bowel disease
■ intestinal candidiasis (yeast overgrowth)
■ lactose intolerance
■ malabsorption diseases, such as pancreatic insufficiency and celiac disease
■ mechanical causes, such as fecal impaction