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Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
Irritable bowel syndrome or IBS is a term for a collection of unexplained yet common symptoms in which the large intestine, or colon fails to function normally.
In IBS the normally rhythmic muscular contractions of the digestive tract become irregular and uncoordinated which interferes with the normal movement of food and waste through the intestines and causes mucus and toxins to accumulate. This accumulated waste then blocks the digestive tract, trapping gas and stools.
What are the symptoms of IBS?
Symptoms of IBS include abdominal pain, bloating, constipation and diarrhoea - often alternating between the two. Gas, nausea and varying degrees of anxiety and depression are also common. Because of these unpleasant symptoms someone with IBS often dreads eating.
The symptoms affect people differently, and can come and go for periods of a few days through to a few months.
Many other digestive disorders are linked to IBS – including candida, colon cancer and gallbladder disease. Nutritional deficiencies can also develop because nutrients are not absorbed properly.
Why do I have IBS?
It's not known exactly what causes IBS, but a variety of factors play a role. Abnormalities in the gastrointestinal nervous system may cause some people to experience greater than normal discomfort when their abdomen stretches from gas or stool. Stimuli that don't bother other people can trigger symptoms in people with IBS, although not all people with the condition react to the same stimuli.
Irritable bowel syndrome affects 20-30% of the population at some point in their lives, with twice as many women as men affected.
What triggers IBS ?
Common triggers of IBS include:
- food intolerances (chocolate, spices, fats, fruits, beans, cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, milk, carbonated beverages and alcohol to name a few)
- stress
- hormonal imbalances
- bacterial overgrowth of the intestines
How can Foodwise help? 
Is IBS an issue for you? Foodwise can help.
Medicines are often used to treat the symptoms that accompany IBS – but few prove consistently helpful and all of them have side effects.
We have all the nutritional information and dietary advice to help you manage IBS and bring you lasting relief.
Join nowHow does healthy nutrition help treat IBS naturally?
In many cases, simple changes in your diet and lifestyle can provide lasting relief from IBS. Although your body may not respond immediately to these changes, the goal is to find long-term, not temporary, solutions.
Fibre can be a mixed blessing for those with IBS. While it helps reduce constipation, it can also make gas and cramping worse. The best approach is to slowly increase the amount of fibre in your diet over a period of weeks. It is also essential to identify and avoid problem foods.
IBS is painful, but not serious and most people who have it can lead active, productive lives if they change their diet, get regular exercise and replace necessary nutrients.
IBS can usually be resolved by focusing on a diet that includes plenty of fibre-rich foods and eliminates food allergens and sugar, along with stress reduction, regular exercise and the use of natural supplements to heal the digestive tract.
Find out more about the Foodwise Digestive Health Program here
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We recommend the Foodwise Digestive Health program for anyone suffering from IBS and other related digestive issues.
By following this programme you’ll learn how to manage IBS naturally through healthy nutrition.
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Irritable bowel syndrome affects 20-30% of the population at some point in their lives.
twice as many women as men affected