Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or spastic colon is a functional bowel disorder linked to an irregular bowel activity and characterized most commonly by cramping, abdominal pain, bloating, constipation, and diarrhea.
Because of the name, IBS can be confused with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
IBS causes a great deal of discomfort and distress, but it does not permanently harm the intestines and does not lead to a serious disease, such as cancer. Most people can control their symptoms with diet, stress management, medications and/or remedies.

As many as 20% of the adult population has symptoms of IBS, making it one of the most common disorders diagnosed by doctors. It occurs more often in women than in men, and it begins before the age of 35 in about 50% of people.

Abdominal pain, bloating, and discomfort are the main symptoms of IBS. Sometimes people find that their symptoms subside for a few months and then return, while others report a constant worsening of symptoms over time.
Main symptoms include:

• abdominal pain that is relieved by having a bowel movement
• a change in frequency and appearance of bowel movements
• feelings of uncontrollable urgency to have a bowel movement
• difficulty or inability to pass stool
• mucus in the stool
• bloating.

Researchers have identified several medical conditions, or comorbidities, which appear with greater frequency in patients diagnosed with IBS, inlcuding:

• headache
• fibromyalgia
• depression
• inflammatory bowel disease
• endometriosis
• celiac disease.

Researchers have not discover any specific cause for IBS yet. There are several theories though, according to which IBS may be cause by:

• sensitive colon that react to certain foods and stress
• immune system while fighting an infection
• abnormal levels of serotonin
• bacterial infection in the gastrointestinal tract.

Additionally, the following have been associated with a worsening of IBS symptoms:

• large meals
• bloating from gas in the colon
• medicines
• wheat, rye, barley, chocolate, milk products, or alcohol
• drinks with caffeine, such as coffee, tea, or colas
• stress, conflict, or emotional upset.

WARNINGS: Information, statements and products on this website have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, mitigate, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or health condition. The natural properties of the botanicals are only referred to their common uses among folk and herbal traditions. Our products are not intended to diagnose, cure, or prevent any disease as well. It's not meant to give any suggestion of diagnosis or disease treatment. Please see a doctor when needed.