Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Treatment

The treatment of IBS is directed to both the psyche and the gut. One key elements is diet. For a complete review of the most current thoughts on diet in IBS patients, go to Irritable Bowel Syndrome Dietary Therapy.

Current medical thinking about diet has changed a great deal in recent years. There is good evidence to suggest that, where tolerated, a high roughage and bran diet is helpful (High Fiber Diet). This diet can result in larger, softer stools which seem to reduce the pressures generated within the colon. In particular, you should select vegetables, fruits and whole grains that are high in insoluble fiber as these fibers do not promote gas. Go to Fiber Content of Foods for information.

Prebiotics are a more recently discovered form of soluble plant fibers. These specially formulated soluble fibers stimulate the growth of good bacteria in the colon producing certain well-defined health benefits. Therefore a prebiotic fiber supplement is indicated as part of the diet. Initially, excessive colon gas may occur. The best thing to do is try small amounts and see what the response and symptoms are.

As many people have already discovered, the simple act of eating may, at times, activate the colon. This action is a normal reflex, although in IBS patients it can be exaggerated. In these instances, it is sometimes helpful to eat smaller, more frequent meals to reduce this reflex.

There are certain medications that help the colon by relaxing the muscles in the wall of the colon, thereby reducing the bowel pressure. These drugs are called antispasmodics. Since stress and anxiety may play a role in these symptoms, it can at times be helpful to use a mild sedative, often in combination with an antispasmodic.

Physical exercise, too, is helpful. During exercise, the bowel typically quiets down. If exercise is used regularly and if physical fitness or conditioning develops, the bowel may tend to relax even during non-exercise periods. The invigorating effects of conditioning, of course, extend far beyond the intestine and can be recommended for general health maintenance.

As important as anything else in controlling IBS is learning stress reduction, or at least how to control the body’s response to stress. It certainly is well-known that the brain can exert controlling effects over many organs in the body, including the intestine.