Irritable Bowel Syndrome is a disorder of the gastrointestinal tract involving digestion, motility, and absorption of food and nutrients.  It is also known as spastic colon, irritable colon syndrome and mucous colitis. Irritable bowel syndrome usually begins in early adulthood and tends to persist throughout life.

Diagnosis

The severity of symptoms varies with each individual. The major symptoms of IBS are chronic recurring pain in the abdominal area, with increased distention, gas, and bloating constipation, diarrhea or a combination of both. Symptoms can occur within minutes after eating or during periods of stress. People with IBS commonly transfer tension and anxiety into body symptoms.  IBS is sometimes related to food allergies or sensitivities.

 Medical Nutrition Therapy

Medical Nutrition Therapy is individualized to eliminate the symptoms of the disease. Adequate consumption of adequate calories, carbohydrate, protein, fat, fiber sodium, and micronutrients to achieve and maintain a reasonable body weight. Elimination of problematic foods, regular meals times, adequate sleep, proper hydration, daily exercise and stress management are very important reducing the symptoms of IBS.  There are varied nutritional treatments for specific problems associated with IBS and related gastrointestinal disorders. For example digestive enzymes may be recommended to reduce indigestion, and improve digestion, and/or probiotic supplementation to return the desirable bacteria to the intestine to establish microfloral balance.  There are still other interventions that may be recommended to improve the intestinal function and health.