It is one of the most common diseases of the digestive tract. It consists in abdominal pain and irregular bowel movements, so it is very troublesome in everyday life. Irritable bowel syndrome is a chronic disease that affects more women than men. Disturbance of bowel habits is not caused by organic or biochemical factors. To date, the cause of this disease has not been clarified.
The first symptoms of the disease are most often observed between the ages of 20 and 40. More and more often it is said that the cause lies in genetic conditions, because this disease often runs in families. Mental conditions, such as stress or depression, also contribute to disorders in the intestinal zone.
How to recognize the disease?
- When there are abdominal pains of variable intensity located mainly in the lower abdomen.
- Abdominal pain is accompanied by diarrhea or constipation, or alternating diarrhea with constipation.
- A bowel movement is usually relieved and the pain subsides, and bloating and excessive production of intestinal gas usually occur.
- The condition for the diagnosis of the syndrome is the persistence of symptoms for at least 3 months.
Of course, the specialist will order a series of appropriate tests to determine whether it is irritable bowel syndrome – including stool tests, complete blood count, urinalysis, ESR, sometimes also colonoscopy. How can you alleviate the symptoms of the disease by changing your habits or home remedies? First, eat lightly. No heavy meals, just:
- eat regularly, about 4-5 small meals a day,
- eat without haste, preferably sitting down and in a quiet atmosphere,
- cook food in water and steam, if you bake – preferably in foil, stewing – only without fat.
- avoid fried and grilled dishes,
- eat lean meat, fish and cold cuts,
- introduce spices with an exclusively mild taste: lemon juice, lemon balm, dill, parsley, marjoram, cloves, vanilla, basil, tarragon, herbs de Provence, thyme, cumin.
- if you have diarrhea, choose products rich in fiber, the recommended intake of which is 40-50 g per day.
In case of diarrhea, avoid:
- products with a very sweet taste, such as sweet juices, honey, plums, cherries, peaches, etc.
- chewing gums,
- jellies, jams and jellies.
For constipation:
- brassica and legume vegetables,
- onion, garlic and leek
- yellow and processed cheeses, fatty meats and sausages
- rice, chocolate, strong tea
- berries, cocoa.
For flatulence:
- fatty and heavy dishes,
- hot spices
- cabbage (boiled, fried, stewed, whatever), legumes,
- onion, garlic, leek, wholemeal and rye bread,
- carbonated drinks.