Irritable bowel syndrome is a common disorder of small and large intestine which is a part of our digestive tract that stores stool. Patients of irritable bowel syndrome mainly suffer from recurring abdominal pain and cramps, diarrhea, constipation, nausea, bloating, etc. Irritable bowel syndrome is not a disease rather it is a functional disorder which do not allow the intestine to work properly.

How Does it Happen?

In irritable bowel syndrome a major part of the large intestine does not work properly. In a healthy person the digestive process starts at the stomach and finishes at small intestine from where the undigested matters travel into the colon in liquid form. The muscles of colon contract in a series of wave like motions which helps in absorbing liquid and salt and pushing the undigested semisolid matter into the rectum for defecation.

In a patient of irritable bowel syndrome the peristaltic movement of the colon becomes abnormal. Sometimes there could be very little peristalsis causing slow movement of stools and constipation. And sometimes peristalsis could be very high causing diarrhea. Study showed that normal people experience six to eight contractions per day compared to 25 contractions per day for irritable bowel syndrome patients.

Causes of Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Unfortunately the cause of irritable bowel syndrome is still unknown. However it is believed that a number of factors altogether play the role behind this disorder.

• Diet could be the main causal factor in triggering irritable bowel syndrome. Patients are found to be sensitive to some food items which disrupt the normal colon movement causing this disorder shortly after the meals. Milk products, chocolate, caffeine, alcohol, etc. are supposed to do the damage. However the tolerance toward a specific food item varies from person to person.
• Stress is believed to be the major factor in irritable bowel syndrome. Mental stress in workplace, strained relationships, or upsetting events could affect the nervous system preventing the nervous system between brain and intestine from working properly. Women often face the problem of irritable bowel syndrome during menstruation.
• Episodes of gastroenteritis could result in irritable bowel syndrome.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome Symptoms

Indications of irritable bowel syndrome vary from person to person. However most common irritable bowel syndrome symptoms are as follows:

• Abdominal pain or discomfort at the abdomen. This pain could be mild to severe and the patient often gets relief after defecation.
• The form of feces might vary from hard pellet type to loose and watery and the patient might have a feeling of incomplete bowel clearance.
• Alternating phases of diarrhea and constipation
• Flatulence, bloating, abdominal distension, and indigestion
• Passing of mucus during defecation

Following symptoms are not the indications of irritable bowel syndrome:

• Bloody feces or urine
• Vomiting and/or nausea
• Fever and loss of body weight

Irritable Bowel Syndrome Prevention

Although irritable bowel syndrome does not have any cure but a few preventive measures could help you in getting relief from the symptoms.

• Some food items might worsen this disorder. If you are suffering from constipation a diet chart consisting of fiber enriched food items would be quite helpful. One needs to introduce fiber a little at a time so as to habituate his/her body with it. Breads, cereals, beans, fruits, and vegetables contain ample amount of fiber.
• If you are suffering from diarrhea, avoid tea, coffee, alcohol, spicy food items, cold beverages containing artificial sweetener as they could aggravate the symptom.
• In case of bloating reduce beans and green vegetables like cabbage and broccoli.
• Regular physical exercise and a good lifestyle would promote a healthy gastrointestinal system keeping your bowel movement consistent and perfect
• Stress management would undoubtedly be helpful in reducing irritable bowel syndrome. Relaxation, meditation, yoga, and adequate sleep could give you much needed peace of mind and healthy body.
• As some medicines might worsen your symptoms take doctors’ advice before taking any painkiller, laxatives, etc.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome Treatment

Triphala ( Terminalia chebula, Embelica officinalis,Terminalia belerica): This is a unique combination of three eminent herbs haritaki , amalaki, and bibhitaki. From eons this herbal mixture has been used to treat digestive problems. This herbal formulation is a potent natural laxative which cleans out internal wastes, rejuvenating the overall digestive system. It promotes stool mobilization and stimulates rhythmic movements of intestine which helps in easy removal of bowels thereby alleviating chronic constipation. It is extremely useful for irritable bowel movements and ulcerative colitis.

Triphala herbal capsules are formulated with the purest form of herbal extracts of three natural components: haritaki , amalaki, and bibhitaki in perfect ratio to achieve the highest medicinal values. This herbal supplement would undoubtedly provide relief from irritable bowel syndrome for one’s lifetime.