Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a problem with the intestines. In people with IBS, the intestines squeeze too hard or not hard enough and cause food to move too quickly or too slowly through the intestines. One in five Americans has IBS, making it one of the most common disorders diagnosed by doctors.

Research suggests that people with IBS seem to have a colon that is more sensitive and reactive than usual to a variety of things, including certain foods and stress. Some evidence indicates that the immune system, which fights infection, is also involved.

Signs and symptoms

• Cramping pain in your lower abdomen
• Changes in your bowel habits
• Diarrhea or constipation, or both alternately
• Relief of pain after bowel movements
• Feeling of incomplete emptying after bowel movements
• Mucus in your stool

Herbal Remedies:

Triphala Capsules (Terminalia bellirica, Terminalia chebula, Emblica officinalis Gaertn): Triphala is the most popular Ayurvedic herbal formula of India, since it is an effective laxative which also supports the body's strength. Because of its high nutritional value, Triphala uniquely cleanses and detoxifies at the deepest organic levels without depleting the body's reserves. This makes it one of the most valuable herbal preparations in the world. It is very effective in Irritable Bowel Syndrome and Ulcerative Colitis

Ginger (Zingiber officinale) – In India, ginger has been used to aid digestion and treat stomach upset as well as nausea for more than 5,000 years. This herb is also thought to reduce inflammation.

Amla (Indian Goosbery): Amla is the richest natural source of Vitamin C. It prevents Indigestion and controls acidity as well as it’s a natural source of anti-ageing. It is one of the supplement used in hyperacidity and Liver disorders. Amla is found to be one of the strongest rejuvenatives in Indian pharmacopoeia.

Difference between Irritable bowel syndrome and Constipation:

Constipation is broadly defined as a bowel pattern that includes infrequent bowel movements, hard or lumpy stools, difficulty in passing stools, incomplete elimination, and/or straining with a bowel movement. However, constipation varies from person to person. Some people with chronic constipation cannot even pass stools, while others pass hard lumpy stools.

Irritable bowel syndrome is a chronic disorder that is characterized by abdominal pain or discomfort associated with altered bowel habits. Abdominal pain or discomfort is the most common symptom of IBS and is reported by 66% of patients. Other symptoms of IBS include bloating, urgency, and/or cramps of the stomach.

Diet:

Fruits and vegetables are particularly protective sources of fiber and seem to reduce the amount of inflammation in the lining of the stomach; fruit juice appears to have this benefit as well. Foods that may make symptoms worse include foods high in fat or caffeine. Fat and caffeine can cause your intestines to contract, which may cause cramping. If gas is a problem for you, you might want to avoid foods that tend to make gas worse. These include beans, cabbage and some fruits. Doctors usually recommend a diet with enough fiber to produce soft, painless bowel movements. High-fiber diets may cause gas and bloating, but these symptoms often go away within a few weeks as your body adjusts.

Prevention:

People with IBS have colons that are more sensitive and react to things that might not bother other people, such as stress, large meals, gas, medicines, certain foods, caffeine, or alcohol.
Most people can control their symptoms by taking medicines (laxatives, antidiarrhea medicines, tranquilizers, or antidepressants), reducing stress, and changing their diet.

Advice:

Take Triphala capsules twice daily after meals. Allow several weeks for benefits. "It's something you stay on regularly. It can be very helpful to you." Dr. Andrew Weil