Irritable bowel syndrome (or IBS for short) is a condition that leaves many in pain as they have difficulty with gas, bowel movements, and general pain until relieved. Women experience this problem twice as much compared to men, so knowing what it is, why you have it, what to look for, and how to treat it can be very helpful.
Women typically experience IBS more often than men because of the hormonal imbalances due to menstrual cycles accompanied by severe cramps and estrogen increases.
The discomfort that you feel through IBS is important to pay attention to, because the wrong kind of pain could lead you to the doctor’s office. IBS is usually felt as pain to the abdominal region.
However, if you begin to feel a quick pain in a specific spot, you might have a different and more severe underlying problem. Not only does the discomfort need to feel like it is generally in a large portion of your abdominal area, it should also stay there.
No discomfort, pain, or blood should be found in bowel movements, and if so – you should see a doctor right away. Mucus and loose stool is normal after experiencing IBS – but still should not cause physical pain in the rectal area.
Stress is correlated with people who suffer from IBS, so they often try stress relieving activities such as stretching, relaxing, or even working out. Irritable bowel syndrome may take a couple of days to treat depending on your specific situation, diet, and medical history – so if any stress relieving exercises don’t work, just stay patient.
Luckily for you, IBS is only felt during the daytime – because that’s when you’re consuming food and adding more into your intestines. That means that it shouldn’t wake you up throughout the night, nor hinder your sleep in any way.
Speaking of food, there are many times when irritable bowel syndrome can be the result of food allergies. These smaller allergies have more to do with your food sensitivity, and is actually something that you can test through a blood sample to find out what foods your body prefers to digest versus the ones that it rejects resulting in IBS.
If you know which foods your body has an easier time digesting, then your digestive system will be more functional and utilize more of the nutrients and minerals through your diet.
