Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) ranks as the second leading cause of absenteeism from work after the common cold, yet it remains a very difficult condition to diagnose and treat. In fact in more cases than not, its diagnosis is a process of elimination. IBS is characterized by abdominal pain, cramping, bloating, flatulence and diarrhea often with an urgent need evacuate the bowel- sometimes even incontinence of the bowels. Drastic swings from diarrhea to constipation are often described- that's why it is sometimes referred to as spastic colon. It is more three times more common in women than men and affects more than 35 million Americans.

Anything that can affect the bowel will affect it more in people with IBS- it could be stress, diet or activity. No one is sure what causes it, but many physicians think it triggered by psychological factors and stress. The mind -body connection in IBS research is finally bringing long term relief. They have found that while the all too real symptoms affect the gut- effective treatment often involves the head too.

Diet might help In one study on diet, four of six IBS suffers found relief from IBS in two weeks by eliminating all grains (except rice), dairy foods and red meat and limiting intake of yeast, citrus and caffeine. This is drastic however- alternatives are to eliminate one type of grain at a time to see if there is improvement.

Something you can try:

• Common offenders if IBS are wheat, lactose, fatty foods gassy foods like beans, cruciferous vegetables, (see gas/flatulence on this website), alcohol and caffeine.
• Keep the diet low in fat and high in fiber (whole grains unless you have determined any to be a problem). Fiber supplements such as psyllium are often recommended. Wheat bran may worsen symptoms.
• Women's symptoms may worsen around menstruation. Gamma-linolenic acid may help by suppressing prostaglandins that trigger inflammation (evening primrose or black currant seed oil).
• Exercise, yoga, meditation or hypnosis to relieve stress.

For more information contact the International Foundation for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders at (888) 964-2001 or online at www.iffgd.org, an organization that provides free support, education and referrals to gastroenterologists across the country.

Updated June 2000

Donna Tinnerello, MS, RD, CD/N is a registered dietitian, living in Manhattan, with more than 10 years experience in HIV and nutrition. Her subspecialties are cardiovascular, renal, gastrointestinal disease, diabetes and weight management.
Donna is available for private consultation by referral only. Ms.Tinnerello has donated time and articles to our web site at always your choice and we sincerely appreciate her contributions.