What are the symptoms of IBS? 

Common symptoms of IBS

• Bloating and gas
• Mucus in the stool
• Constipation
• Diarrhea, especially after eating or first thing in the morning
• Feeling like you still need to have a bowel movement after you've already had one
• Feeling a strong urge to have a bowel movement
• Abdominal pain and cramping that may go away after having a bowel movement

The symptoms may get worse when you're under stress, such as when you travel, attend social events or change your daily routine. Your symptoms may also get worse if you don't eat enough healthy foods or after you've eaten a big meal. Some people are bothered by certain foods. Women who have IBS may notice more frequent symptoms during their menstrual periods.

How is IBS treated? 
The best way to handle IBS is to eat a healthy diet, avoid foods that seem to make you feel worse and find ways to handle your stress.

Why may fiber be helpful? 
Fiber can be helpful because it improves how the intestines work. There are 2 types of fiber:

• Soluble fiber helps both diarrhea and constipation as it dissolves in water and forms a gel-like material. Many foods contain soluble fiber such as apples, beans and citrus fruits. Psyllium, a natural vegetable fiber, is also a soluble fiber. You can buy psyllium supplements to drink and you can add it to other foods.
• Insoluble fiber helps constipation by moving material through your digestive system and adding bulk to your stool. Insoluble fiber is in whole grain breads, wheat bran and many vegetables.

Some people feel bloated and have gas if they increase their fiber intake too quickly so try and increase the fiber in your diet slowly.  Gas and bloating usually improve as you get used to eating more fiber. The best way to increase your fiber intake is eat a wide variety of high fiber foods. 

Do certain foods cause IBS? 
No. Foods don't cause IBS. But some foods may make you feel worse, like foods high in fat or caffeine. Fat and caffeine can cause your intestines to contract, which may cause cramping. Alcohol and chocolate may also make you feel worse. If gas is a problem for you, you might want to avoid foods that tend to make gas worse which include beans, cabbage and some fruits. Keeping a diary of what you eat and what your symptoms are for a few weeks may be a good way to find out if a food bothers you. If you think a food makes you feel worse, don't eat it. But don't cut out foods unless they have caused you problems more than once.

What about milk and milk products? 
If milk and other dairy products bother you, you may have lactose intolerance, this means that your body can't digest lactose (the sugar in milk) and may seem to make IBS symptoms worse if you're lactose intolerant. If this seems to be the case, you may need to limit the amount of milk and milk products in your diet and talk to your family doctor if you think you have trouble digesting dairy products.

How can stress affect IBS?
Stress may trigger symptoms in people with IBS. Talk to your family doctor about ways to deal with stress, such as exercise, relaxation training or meditation. He or she may have some suggestions or may refer you to someone who can give you some ideas or suggest that you talk to a counselor about things that are bothering you.

Will IBS get worse over time? 
No. While IBS will probably recur throughout your life, it won't get worse, doesn't cause cancer or require surgery, and it won't shorten your life.

What if IBS interferes with my daily activities? 
IBS may have caused you to avoid doing certain things, like going out or going to work or school. While it may take some time for your efforts to pay off, you may find new freedom by following a plan that includes a healthy diet, learning new ways to deal with your stress and avoiding foods that may make your symptoms worse.

Tips on controlling IBS

• Eat a varied healthy diet and avoid foods high in fat.
• Drink plenty of water.
• Try eating 6 small meals a day rather than 3 larger ones.
• Learn new and better ways to deal with your stress.
• Avoid using laxatives as they may weaken your intestines and cause you to be dependent on them.

Digestive Health Tips

10 Tips on Belching, Bloating, and Flatulence 

1. Belching is caused by swallowed air from:
• Eating or drinking too fast
• Poorly fitting dentures; not chewing food completely
• Carbonated beverages
• Chewing gum or sucking on hard candies
• Excessive swallowing due to nervous tension or postnasal drip

·         Forced belching to relieve abdominal discomfort 

2.    To prevent excessive belching, avoid: 

• Carbonated beverages
• Chewing gum
• Hard candies 

3.    Abdominal bloating and discomfort may be due to intestinal sensitivity or symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. To relieve symptoms, avoid: 

• Broccoli
• Baked beans
• Cabbage
• Carbonated drinks
• Cauliflower
• Chewing gum
• Hard candy 

4.    Abdominal distention resulting from weak abdominal muscles: 

• Is better in the morning
• Gets worse as the day progresses
• Is relieved by lying down

5.    To prevent Abdominal distention: 

• Tighten abdominal muscles by pulling in your stomach several times during the day
• So sit-up exercises if possible
• Wear an abdominal support garment if exercise is too difficult 

6.    Flatulence is gas created through bacterial action in the bowel and passed rectally. Keep in mind that: 

• 10-18 passages per day are normal
• Primary gases are harmless and odorless
• Noticeable smells are trace gases related to food intake 

7.    Foods that are likely to form gas include: 

• Milk, dairy products, and medications that contain lactose--If your body doesn't produce the enzyme (lactase) to break it down.
• Certain vegetables--baked beans, cauliflower, broccoli, cabbage
• Certain starches--wheat, oats, corn, potatoes. Rice is a good substitute. 

8.    If flatulence is a concern, see your doctor to determine if you are lactose intolerant. 

9.    Identify offending foods. Reduce or eliminate these gas-forming foods from your diet. 

10.  Activated Charcoal may provide some benefit.