Unpleasant abdominal pressure to abdominal pain, bloating, flatulence, diarrhea – the irritable bowel syndrome (short: irritable bowel) has many faces. Although irritable bowel syndrome is harmless, it is often very unpleasant for those affected. The number of people affected is large, the symptoms varied – and so is the name: In addition to irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), the terms irritable bowel syndrome (IDS), irritable colon syndrome (IBS), or nervous bowel are also commonly used. Because symptoms often occur in the digestive area of the colon, the term irritable colon or – because of abdominal cramps – spastic colon is also used; if the stomach is the focus of symptoms, the term irritable stomach is common.
Irritable bowel as a generic term
Irritable bowel is a generic term for functional bowel disorders. These are constant or recurring complaints in the gastrointestinal tract for which no physical cause can be found. In fact, the diagnosis of irritable bowel syndrome may only be made after such diseases have been ruled out by means of various diagnostic measures.
Exact figures on the frequency are difficult to obtain; conjectures range from 8 to 15 % (or even higher). Twice as many women as men are affected. The causes of irritable bowel syndrome are unknown. Symptoms are bothersome to uncomfortable, but harmless. The main focus of treatment for irritable bowel syndrome is to change the diet and educate the sufferer that there is no underlying serious illness.
Irritable bowel syndrome: What helps against the complaints
Make sure to eat regularly: If possible, you should eat between three and five meals a day. The individual meals should not be too large, so that the gastrointestinal tract is not unnecessarily burdened. In addition, it is also important that you take enough time for your meals: Eat in peace and do not gulp down your food.
More tips against irritable bowel syndrome:
- In addition to sensible eating habits, getting enough exercise can also help relieve your symptoms. Exercise regularly – this will keep your body fit and help you relieve stress. For stress relief, relaxation techniques such as yoga or autogenic training are also good.
- Build fixed rest and recovery phases in your everyday life to be able to switch off specifically.
- For acute discomfort, a hot water bottle can help to alleviate the discomfort.
- Tip: To get on the track of the trigger of your complaints, it can be helpful to keep a diary. In it, you can note on the one hand, which foods you have eaten and how strong your complaints were. On the other hand, the diary can also note how you felt on each day and how great, for example, the load was at work.
Irritable bowel: you should avoid
- Do not eat irregularly or skip meals. This is because skipping meals can lead to hunger pangs, during which you quickly reach for the wrong foods. In addition, you should try to always eat at your leisure. So avoid eating while you’re at work or in front of the TV. After eating, take a small break, take a short walk or a short nap.
- If your intestines are irritated, you should avoid certain foods at all costs. These are primarily foods that have a strong flatulence effect. These foods include, for example, cabbage or legumes. Fatty snacks are also not suitable, as they put a lot of strain on the digestive system. Instead, rather resort to fruit or vegetables – they are easy to digest.
- Do not let your discomfort rule your life: Despite everything, try to think positively and continue to participate in social life.
