Irritable bowel syndrome is not a life threatening illness; however, it can be very uncomfortable and can cause many individuals to begin staying at home instead of dealing with the problems that can arise while in public such as diarrhea. Diarrhea is just one of the symptoms that can be embarrassing and often painful. Other symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome include constipation, cramping, abdominal pain, and bloating. The problem is often seen in more women over the age of 35 than in men or other ages.

The causes of irritable bowel syndrome are unknown at this time; however, it is believed to have something to do with either the colon or large intestine being sensitive to specific foods or either due to stress. Other speculations may be the immune system may be trying to fight off an unseen infection that is not really present.

As far as anyone can tell a few things, do make the symptoms worse such as some medications, alcoholic drinks, eating huge meals, chocolate, caffeinated drinks, barley, rice, wheat, and stress.

This is another one of those ailments that is hard to pinpoint, as there is no test available that will ensure that a person has irritable bowel syndrome. In the majority of cases, your doctor will have to do an elimination process with all kinds of tests to eliminate various diseases and disorders before coming to the conclusion that you do in fact have irritable bowel syndrome. Some of the tests that will have to be administered include x-rays, stool samples, colonoscopy, and blood tests. Once all other problems are eliminated, he or she may decide you have irritable bowel syndrome.

During the testing period, you may be prescribed various medications to help with the symptoms such as medications for diarrhea, constipation, or gas.

The best treatment available for irritable bowel syndrome consists of changing your diet along with learning how to manage stress. The only way to truly know what foods may be causing the problem you will need to keep a diary. In this diary, you will need to write down all the foods you eat and the times you eat. Then if you notice symptoms arising the next day, you will have to eliminate foods until you learn which ones may be causing the symptoms to occur. Of course, this will be a tedious task, as you will more than likely eat several things in a day. However, eliminating items that are known to cause the symptoms in the beginning, will help you narrow down the ones that cause your symptoms. Another option to consider is having a food allergy test.

While you are working on your diet and managing stress, your healthcare practitioner will more than likely prescribe medications to aid in relieving the discomfort. Many IBS sufferers find relief using all-natural supplements instead of medications. Websites such as healthremedies.com can provide information and supplements that can help you learn how to alleviate the symptoms while changing your diet until all the symptoms have disappeared. A few of the supplements that have aided other irritable bowel syndrome sufferers include probiotic supplements, ginger, DGL, and herbal digestive remedies.

About the Author:

Valerie Balandra is a nurse practitioner that believes in utilizing holistic approach to health and nutrition. Click here for information on lab tests online, symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, and digestive support.