What's the Deal with: Irritable Bowel Syndrome

The Mayo Clinic reports that Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) affects one in ten Americans. That's a lot of people! It predominantly affects women who experience their first signs of the syndrome in their early 20s. But what is IBS exactly?

IBS, also know as spastic colon, is considered a functional disorder meaning the normal function is disrupted and in this case it is (you guessed it) the bowels, even though the intestines appear fine. The intestines normally contract and relax in a coordinated rhythm, but with IBS, the contractions may be longer and stronger than normal, and thereby cause pain. This inability of the intestines to contract rhythmically interferes with digestion causing nausea, diarrhea and constipation not to mention abdominal pain.

It is not clear what causes IBS, but it doesn't trigger inflammation or other changes in the bowel, and doesn't increase the risk of colorectal cancer. Some studies do suggest that intolerance to certain foods may increase symptoms. The major culprits seem to be wheat, dairy, coffee, potatoes, corn and onions.

Lifestyle changes seem the best approach to managing the symptoms: eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly and reducing stress. Increasing fiber intake and even taking fiber supplements can help.

To read more about IBS, check out the Mayo Clinic's article on the syndrome.