Irritable bowel syndrome manifests itself as severe intestinal cramps and pains. You are plagued by constipation and diarrhea for several days. We advise you what to avoid in diarrhea and constipation. Learn how to care for an irritable bowel to reduce unpleasant ailments.
Irritable bowel syndromeis not caused by viruses or bacteria, and is not related to cancer. It teases thousands of people, more women than men. The cause of the disease is not fully understood.
According to experts, the symptoms may be caused by:
- previous intestinal infection,
- intestinal microbiota disorders,
- so-called visceral hypersensitivity, which can be compared with increased pain sensitivity,
- altered immunity of the intestinal immune system, disturbance of communication along the brain-gut pathway (the so-called cerebral-intestinal axis).
Internal organs, although properly built, malfunction. The muscles of the intestines are disrupted. Normally their contractions are rhythmic and allow food to pass. In patients, part of the intestine contracts either too quickly or too slowly. Hencediarrheaorconstipation , either chronic or alternating
People with Irritable Bowel Syndrome basically never feel well. They are agitated, complaining of lower abdominal pain, gas or a feeling of fullness. They feel the so-called incomplete bowel movements, and mucus is clearly visible in their stools. However, they do not lose weight, do not suffer from anemia, do not have blood in their stools or fever, i.e. the so-called alarm symptoms that should prompt a doctor's appointment. Apart from symptoms directly related to the intestines, there are often other symptoms, e.g. pain in the lower abdomen. As many as half of the women reporting this pain to a urologist or gynecologist suffer from irritable bowel syndrome. It turns out that the ailments are closely related to the psyche - most often they arise and intensify under the influence of stress or depression.
Also, some foods (mainly vegetables and fruits) rich in hard to ferment carbohydrates (called FODMAPs) can alter the gut microbiota and cause symptoms as well. Excluding these foods from your diet for a while may reduce your symptoms.
Irritable bowel syndrome - correct diagnosis
The doctor may ask you aboutnutrition, as well as about seemingly insignificant details: lifestyle and even disposition. He will give you a referral for basic tests (blood count and ESR). He must first rule out other, much more serious conditions that exhibit similar symptoms. For example, in patients with recurrent diarrhea, stool tests for parasites and hormonal tests are performed, because diarrhea may be accompanied, among others, by overactive thyroid gland. Sometimes the doctor may order endoscopy of the large intestine (a shallow examination with a speculum). In people over 50, but also in younger people, if someone in their family has suffered from colorectal cancer, colonoscopy (examination of the entire intestine with a speculum) is necessary.
On the basis of all the results, the doctor excludes other diseases of the gastrointestinal tract - tumors, inflammation of the intestinal mucosa, etc.
ImportantWhat to eat and what to avoid
- In case of diarrhea, eat mainly purified cereal products (white wheat bread, rolls, fine pasta, white rice, wheat groats, biscuits), fruit - apple mousse, bananas, watermelons, vegetables - potatoes (preferably puree) , carrots, lettuce and peeled tomatoes. Avoid raw fruits, mainly raspberries, strawberries, currants, high-fiber and gas-forming vegetables (e.g. beetroot, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, kohlrabi, green beans, cabbage), nuts, as well as coarse grains, porridge, wholemeal bread, hot spices and alcohol. Cut down on sweets. Boil the dishes in water or steam, bake in foil or stew without fat.
- If you are constipated, drink a lot, at least 1.5 liters of fluid a day, and follow a diet high in plant fiber (fiber). Eat raw fruit (especially stone) and high-fiber vegetables (cabbage, beetroot, green beans). Replace the potatoes with coarse-grained groats. Oatmeal and wholemeal bread are also good. For your first breakfast, add 1/2 cup of wheat bran. But if it causes gas, adjust your diet to suit your body's needs.
Irritable bowel syndrome - take care of the soul and body
Irritable bowel syndrome, although troublesome, is not dangerous. Improving your he alth and well-being depends primarily on changing your lifestyle. It is very important to skillfully overcome stresses. Greater activity can help us: long walks, recreational sports and contacts with people. You must not run away from them. And if it does not help, let's not be ashamed to seek help from a psychotherapist. Remember that diet plays an important role in this disease. Inadequate causes exacerbation of symptoms. Avoid alcohol, fats, legumes, caffeine, sugar, sorbitol (the sweetener found in candies and drinkscarbonated) and other sweeteners. Some people shouldn't drink milk. If they have diarrhea after it, they may be lactose (milk sugar) intolerant. People suffering from constipation are advised to eat foods that contain plant fiber. The stool then expands, becomes softer and easier to pass. But wheat fiber (such as bran) can also worsen your discomfort by causing gas, gas, bloating and abdominal pain, so your diet must be tailored to your individual needs. This means that you should not force yourself to eat what is considered he althy, as it is not always tolerated by our digestive tract. Dietary treatment of irritable bowel syndrome is based on constant experimenting and choosing the right dishes to suit your mood and taste.
There is no one drug
As it turns out, anyone with Irritable Bowel Syndrome may need different medications. As a rule, the doctor prescribes several, among which there is, for example, a diastolic and antidiarrheal or laxative preparation. Some people also need to take anti-anxiety or anti-depressants. Even in small doses, they bring a lot of relief. Often, medications are changed during therapy depending on the symptoms of the disease. Thanks to the constant cooperation with your doctor, you can control this capricious disease.
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