Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
Approximately one out of every five Australians have experienced the uncomfortable symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) in at least one point in their lives. IBS is a long-term condition which presents itself through symptoms such as regular changes in bowel habits from constipation to diarrhoea, abdominal pain, bloating, indigestion, wind, nausea and tiredness. There is currently no known cause of IBS however it has been linked to environmental factors such as stress and diet.
IBS however is also not just restricted to physical symptoms. Both depression and anxiety are strongly associated with IBS for many reasons. One of the major reasons is because IBS suffers fear that their symptoms may occur at uncomfortable or inappropriate times, causing many to become withdrawn from their own lives and develop depression or anxiety. Depression or anxiety may also cause a person who suffers from IBS to give up hope and to stop trying to reduce their symptoms through special diets or other methods.
There is also currently no cure to IBS through medical treatment and specialty diets. However there are some promising treatments which can help manage some of the symptoms. Probiotics is one of these promising fields. Probiotics are a living bacteria and yeast which are found both in your body and in some supplements. They are very beneficial to your health, especially when it comes to digestion. These work by replacing any good bacteria which your body may have previously lost, ridding your body of any harmful bacteria and maintaining inner balance. Probiotics will be especially helpful to those suffering from IBS as they can help regulate bowel function, improve the immunity in the bowels and reduce inflammation and visceral hypersensitivity.
IBS is a very uncomfortable and painful condition to live with. However by taking care with your diet and with the developing advancements with probiotics, the symptoms of IBS can become much more manageable and will help suffers reclaim some of their normal lives back.