IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) is a condition which affects the way that the gut functions, causing abdominal pain and altered bowel movements. IBS is a very common problem. This is shown by the fact that one in five people in the UK develop IBS at some time in their lives.

This article will examine the common symptoms of IBS and how to relieve them.

The symptoms of IBS and their severity can vary enormously from one sufferer to another. Some people have such mild IBS symptoms that they never consult a doctor about them, whilst other people have more painful ones.

The most common IBS symptom is abdominal pain which can be alleviated by a bowel movement. This pain is usually caused by cramps, bloating, diarrhoea or constipation. Most sufferers find that this abdominal pain strikes them at a certain time of day, often in the evening. Whilst women often find that their IBS symptoms are linked to their menstrual cycle.

IBS symptoms seem to vary slightly by gender. For instance, women IBS sufferers are more likely than men to have constipation than diarrhoea and to find urination painful.

Other IBS symptoms include:

• Nausea
• Indigestion
• Bloating
• Excess wind

There are also a number of secondary IBS symptoms which include:

• Lower back pain
• Depression
• Headaches
• Lethargy
• Need to urinate frequently

How to Control IBS Symptoms

Although there is no cure per se, there are ways to control IBS symptoms.

The best way to alleviate IBS symptoms is to eat a healthy and balanced diet and steer away from foods that tend to make you feel unwell.

Stress can play a role in producing IBS symptoms by leading to over activity of the nerves and/or gut.

Therefore, you may find that simple relaxation exercises help relieve your IBS symptoms. In the long term reducing the amount of stress in your life could prove to be an effective IBS treatment.

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