ARE you losing weight or have suddenly lost your appetite for unknown reasons?
There’s a disease called Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), which is abdominal pain or discomfort, and is one of the most commonly diagnosed conditions that affect the gastrointestinal tract.
Research shows IBS is more common in women than men and sets in during early adulthood.
IBS signs and symptoms include:
Excess gas.
Nausea.
Constipation or diarrhoea.
Abdominal pain.
Cramping or bloating.
The exact causes are not yet fully understood but experts think it’s related to increased sensitivity of the gut and problems to digest food.
Triggers include: Inflammation of the intestines – some IBS patients have an increased number of immune system cells in their intestines. This is associated with diarrhoea and pain.
Bacteria – IBS can be associated with an excess of bacteria in the intestines.
Digestion problems – the body moves food through the digestive system by squeezing and relaxing the intestine muscles. When food moves too slowly through the digestive system, it causes constipation. when food moves too quickly through the digestive system it causes diarrhoea.
Certain drinks and foods that we consume can trigger the symptoms.
These foods include:, Fried and fatty foods., Chocolate., Beverages that contain caffeine., Alcohol., Fizzy Drinks. , Stress.
Increase your fibre intake: This will stop constipation. Whole grain breads and cereal, beans, vegetables and fruits are good sources of fibre.
Avoid eating foods that are hard to digest such as garlic, onions, cabbage, cauliflower and broccoli.
Avoid alcohol. Booze is a big trigger for people with IBS as it causes dehydration and can affect the digestive system.
