Irritable bowel syndrome: causes, remedies, and prevention

Weakness, fatigue, And a quality of life which gets worse. The irritable bowel syndrome, very widespread in all latitudes of the world, leads to a very debilitating condition, with symptoms ranging from anxiety to trough, from themigraine  to the chronic fatigueWhat does it mean to have an irritable bowel syndrome? Simply that certain foods and drinks, as well as a certain type of stress., they produce a poor functioning of the digestive system. From here episodes of Diarrhea alternating with constipation and abdominal pain in the lower abdomen. Suffering from irritable bowel syndrome is a fairly common problem, nothing serious, but certainly quite annoying: in America it is considered a syndrome equivalent to coldIrritable bowel syndrome affects approximately 10 percent of the population. In particular women, aged between 20 and 50 yearsWith irritable bowel syndrome comes pain, swelling and alternating between constipation and diarrhea. Added to these symptoms is a constant feeling of tiredness and exhaustion.

Cause

Irritable bowel syndrome generally arises from a genetic predisposition, then there are hormonal and psychosocial factors, Such as'persistent anxietyThen there are the causes more closely linked to lifestyle: an incorrect diet or incorrect combinations of foods, an ever-increasing incidence of food intolerances, anxiety, depression, and stress; and, finally, medication use—such as antibiotics, antidepressants, and birth control pills—which can cause intestinal discomfort. Recent scientific research has focused heavily on the relationship between psychological problems and irritable bowel syndrome. Essentially, there's a close connection between the "first brain" and the "second brain" (the intestinal one), meaning that many psychologically stressful episodes impact the gut and its function. And vice versa.

La colitis It is an alteration of the intestinal and colonic balance, which then affects the entire organism. Often the pathology takes on a chronic nature and affects the final intestinal tract (colon), which normally deals with the absorption of nutrients. nutritional principles which derive from digestion. symptoms The most common are intestinal imbalances, with alternating diarrhea and constipation, swelling and abdominal pain., bad breath, flatulence and bad digestionAfter many years of research, we have arrived at a shared scientific conclusionIrritable bowel syndrome is not, as previously thought, a psychosomatic disease. But it depends primarily on the diet. and some foods can ferment, producing gas that irritates the intestines. For example: garlic, onions, artichokes, asparagus, apples, and pears.

Symptoms

The classic pain of an inflamed colon is concentrated in the lower abdomen. It can present itself in the form of: cramps They come and go or are continuous. The pain generally decreases significantly after a bowel movement. It's no coincidence that laxatives are used in medical treatment. Other symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome include:

• Belly bloating
• Abdominal pain
• Difficulty in evacuating
• Chronic weakness
• Alternating diarrhea and constipation

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of an inflamed colon can be achieved gradually and through various tools.

• ColonoscopyIt is certainly the most complete and valuable analysis, especially after the age of 50, also for verifying the possible presence of cancerous masses.
• Computed tomographyThis diagnostic choice is usually made when the pain is very severe and does not go away. It also serves to rule out other causes of the pathology.
• Stool testIts function is to identify bacteria and parasites that can lead to irritable bowel syndrome.
• Blood testTo evaluate the blood count values, which are certainly indicative.
• Urine testIt is used to identify possible urinary tract infections.

Remedies

To combat swelling and pain, you can take natural action, provided the problem is not serious. Otherwise, discuss appropriate pharmacological treatment with your doctor. Here are all the natural remedies.

• Don't get agitatedThere's a very specific connection between stress and irritable bowel syndrome. Avoid getting angry because you have irritable bowel syndrome, which creates a vicious cycle. Especially during bouts of stomach pain, it's important to breathe deeply. Think about what's happening. Keep in mind that it's happened before and will pass. Remember that you're not dying: you don't die from irritable bowel syndrome. Anything that can help you calm down will also help improve your symptoms. You can benefit from relaxation techniques like meditation, self-hypnosis, or biofeedback. If stress is a serious problem in your life, consider seeing a psychologist. The important thing is to find something that works for you.
• Keep a stress diaryPeople with irritable bowel syndrome have a digestive system that overreacts to food, stress, and hormonal changes. Think of your irritable bowel syndrome as an internal barometer, and use it to help you determine the most stressful things in your life. For example, if you get a stomachache every time you talk to your boss, take it as a sign that you need to work on this relationship (perhaps by talking to your boss, a friend, a family member, or a therapist). Stress aside, certain foods and drinks can also trigger irritable bowel syndrome, so it's helpful to keep a journal of everything that causes you the most trouble. While some foods get a bad rap, ultimately, every person is unique.
• Add fiber to your dietMany people with irritable bowel syndrome do much better simply by adding fiber to their diet. Fiber is generally most effective for those prone to constipation, with sparse, hard stools, but it can also be helpful if you suffer from diarrhea. The best fiber to add is the insoluble type: found in bran, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. An easy way to increase your fiber intake is to consume crushed seeds. psylliumIt's a natural laxative available in pharmacies and health food stores. Unlike chemical laxatives, psyllium-based laxatives aren't habit-forming and are generally safe, even for long-term use.
• Reduce fatsThere are many reasons to consume less fat, and here's another one. Fat is the primary stimulator of intestinal contractions. In other words, it can worsen your symptoms. A good starting point for eliminating fat from your diet is to avoid heavy sauces, fried foods, and overly "rich" gravies. Some people with irritable bowel syndrome are particularly sensitive to foods that produce gasIf you are part of this group you can find relief by avoiding flatulence samples like beans, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, cauliflower and onions.
• Plan with branIf you add fiber to your diet in the form of bran, do so gradually to give your body time to adjust. Too much fiber too quickly can produce gas. Some irritable bowel syndrome patients are sensitive to foods flavored with pepper and other spices. Try eating very flavorful foods one week and bland foods the next and see if things change. acidic foods They tend to bother some people with irritable bowel syndrome. Even in this case, you can experiment by avoiding foods like oranges, grapefruits, tomatoes and condiments based on vinegar, to see if things improve.
• PeppermintPeppermint oil is known for its antispasmodic properties, which can help reduce cramps and abdominal bloating. It is taken in the form of peppermint oil capsules or peppermint tea. However, if you have  gastroesophageal reflux (GERD), peppermint oil may not be recommended, as it may worsen symptoms.
• Chamomile. It helps relax intestinal muscles and reduce inflammation, relieving cramps and abdominal pain. Chamomile tea can be helpful in promoting relaxation and improving digestion.
• Apple cider vinegar. It can help reduce bloating and constipation. Add a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar to a glass of water before meals, but avoid overdoing it, as it may irritate the stomach in some people.
• ZENZEROIt has digestive properties and can help reduce nausea, bloating, and abdominal cramps. It can be taken fresh, as a tea, or as a supplement. It is useful for stimulating digestion and reducing intestinal inflammation.

Diet for irritable bowel syndrome

If you have a tendency to irritable bowel syndrome, there are some precautions to take at the table.

• Don't eat fruit at the end of a meal
• Choose foods with more fibers
• Whole grain bread and cereals
• Water at will

Low-carb diet

• A period of strict restriction, lasting 4 to 6 weeks
• A successful period with a partial reintroduction of carbohydrate foods
• A third phase with the use of probiotics

Foods that irritate the colon

When you have a predisposition to irritable bowel syndrome, you also need to consider this when choosing foods. Those to avoid are:

• Milk, dairy products and mozzarella
• Fruit jams
• Legumes
• Spices and concentrated foods
• Coffee and tea
• Carbonated drinks, starting with Coca-Cola
• Canned goods and preserved meat

Obviously, before giving up any of these foods, it's a good idea to consult your doctor to find out if you really need to do so.

Prevention

Regular meals. Plenty of water and little coffee. No cigarettes, and regular daily physical activity. These are the most important lifestyle measures we can take to prevent the damage caused by irritable bowel syndrome.

• Eat regularlyIrritable bowel syndrome can be affected not only by what you eat, but also by when you eat it. If the intestines have to digest a large amount of food, digestive system It becomes overstimulated. So it's better to eat smaller, more frequent meals, rather than large meals spaced far apart.
• Drink plenty of waterTo keep your bowels moving easily, you don't just need fiber; you also need fluids. You'll need more on an August day spent playing tennis than on a December day spent at the movies, but in general, you should drink six to eight glasses of fluid a day. However, one fluid you can probably do without is milkMany people who think they have irritable bowel syndrome are actually lactose intolerant. In this case, your body has trouble absorbing lactose, a sugar found in milk. Your doctor may test you for lactose intolerance, or you can avoid dairy products for a couple of days and see how things go. In either case, you may find that a change in diet can relieve all your intestinal problems.
• Don't reawaken the problem with coffeeCoffee is a major cause of discomfort among people with irritable bowel syndrome. Caffeine may be partly to blame, but it could also be the resins in the coffee bean. You may find relief by switching to decaffeinated coffee. If that doesn't work, try eliminating it completely. coffee. Also remember that some alcohol they are worse than the others. Alcohol may exacerbate your problem, but it's probably not the alcohol itself. Complex carbohydrates in the diet are almost certainly the culprit. beer and the tannins in red wine. Drinkers with irritable bowel syndrome should avoid these beverages at all costs.
• Put away that cigarette and spit out that gumMany people who smoke have intestinal problems. The most likely culprit is nicotine, so if you're trying to quit with the help of nicotine gum, you probably won't notice any difference in your stomach problems. Nicotine gum isn't the only type of gum that can cause problems. sorbitol The sorbitol in some chewing gums and candies isn't easily digested and can worsen your symptoms. The amount of sorbitol in a strip of gum or a candy can't do you much harm, but if you're consuming a dozen or so a day, it's best to skip it.
• Go for a runIf the body tone is good, the intestinal tone is also good.physical exercise It strengthens the body (of which the intestines are a part). It helps relieve stress and releases endorphins that help manage pain. Overall, a regular exercise program is very likely to calm irritable bowel syndrome. However, be careful not to overdo it: too much exercise can cause diarrhea.
• Try a pain relieverSometimes hormonal changes can trigger irritable bowel syndrome. This is why women often experience intestinal attacks during their menstrual cycle. Medicines based on ibuprofen They can help inhibit some of the hormonal releases that are at the root of the problem. However, pills can be helpful in reducing the pain. If you are in the midst of a stomach ache crisis, the best thing to do is sit or lie down, take a deep breath, and try to relax. Some people also find it helpful to hold a hot water bottle or an electric heater.

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