Is that terrible tummy ache taking the wind out of your sails? Making you sleepless, stressed, and irritable? Well, it’s not just your mind that is irritated but something deep downs in your belly your bowel! Get up and get cracking, because it might be a case of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) also known as spastic colon, IBS is a functional bowel disorder characterized by mild to severe abdominal pain, discomfort, bloating in the stomach, constipation or diarrhea and alteration of bowel habits. However, IBS does not permanently harm the intestines. And you can control the symptoms by consuming the right diet, managing your stress and following the right medicine regimen. Here’s how
Signs to watch out for
There are no specific causes that lead to IBS. It is most often a result of a sensitive colon or large intestine. Here’s what you must watch out for
- Irritation in the large intestine
- Loose motions for 10 -12 weeks in a year
- Recurring tummy ache
- Bleeding/spotting in the stool
- Getting up in the middle of the night to go to the washroom
- Significant weight loss in a very short span of time
- Recent changes in bowel habits
- Depression, stress, anxiety
Stress and IBS
It might sound strange but stress can stimulate colon spasms in people suffering from IBS. It happens because the colon has several nerves control the contractions of the colon and cause abdominal discomfort when we are stressed. Now you know where those cramps come from? Stress management is an important part of treatment for IBS. Here’s how to manage it:
- Stress reduction training and relaxation therapies such as meditation in conjunction with medical aid
- Regular exercise, such as walking or yoga
- Changes to the stressful situations
Labels: Tummy Troubles
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