Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) In Coral Springs

Between 25 and 45 million Americans are diagnosed with IBS (irritable bowel syndrome), but many people might be struggling with it without properly recognizing the symptoms.

Symptoms

Symptoms of IBS can vary from person to person, and even from day to day for some people. Common symptoms include:

• Frequent abdominal pain
• Abdominal bloating
• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Mucus in stool

Cause

The cause of IBS is not fully known, but is generally considered to be a breakdown of the proper functioning of the nerves in the large intestine. The brain is not able to communicate effectively with the large intestine leading to overactive or under-active muscle contractions. The improper movement of waste through the intestinal tract can lead to pain, trouble using the restroom, bloating, and other symptoms.

Triggers

• Stress: While not a cause, stress can have a major effect on the severity and duration of IBS symptoms.
• Food: Foods high in fat can slow down muscle contractions. Foods high in fiber can speed it up. Depending on an individual’s symptoms, certain foods can exacerbate the severity of their symptoms.
• Hormones: IBS affects women more commonly than men. Women can frequently have exacerbated symptoms around their menstrual cycles.

Natural Remedies

• Peppermint oil: Peppermint has been shown to relax the smooth muscle tissue of the intestine. Peppermint oil can be applied topically on the skin in the abdominal region, or can be taken orally. In order to be effective, peppermint oil must be naturally sourced. Please consider advice from a health or medical professional if you are considering using peppermint oil to reduce symptoms.
• Elimination of certain foods: Since the foods that can trigger IBS may differ from person to person, the best way to find foods to eliminate individually is to keep a food diary. Recording when and what is eaten can help determine what foods lead to excess pain and bloating. Eliminating or reducing trigger foods can help mitigate symptoms.
• Chiropractic care: Since the best known cause of IBS is a lack of nerve communication, chiropractic care has been shown to provide major improvement in the severity of symptoms. Pressure on nerves leading to the intestines from a misalignment of vertebrae in the mid to low back region can block the ability for the brain to send messages appropriately. Correcting these misalignments with specific adjustments from your Cape Coral Chiropractors can take pressure off the nervous system and help restore the communication between the brain and the intestines.

Sources: Mayo Clinic, On Health