Irritable bowel syndrome: what to do when digestion goes crazy?

Some suffer from constipation, others from diarrhea, flatulence or abdominal cramps. In irritable bowel syndrome, digestion goes crazy. Doctors cannot find any organic causes, even after a thorough examination, but sufferers do not have to resign themselves to their fate. There are ways to avoid the symptoms in everyday life.

via Sabrina

01/23/2017, 19:17

Viele quälen sich über Jahre mit den lästigen Symptomen des Reizdarmsyndroms. — Many people struggle for years with the annoying symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome.

Regelmäßige Bewegung sowie Entspannungsübungen können dabei helfen, die Reizdarmbeschwerden in den Griff zu bekommen. — Regular exercise and relaxation exercises can help to get irritable bowel syndrome under control.

In many irritable bowel syndrome patients, the symptoms recur over a longer period of time, often alternating or occurring together. For some, they even dictate their daily routine. However, no organic causes can be found for the functional disorders of the bowel in those affected - women suffer more frequently than men - even after a thorough medical examination. Patients therefore often feel that their doctors do not take them seriously.

Yet irritable bowel syndrome is relatively common. Up to 15 million people in Germany are said to be affected. Before a doctor makes a diagnosis, he or she must be able to rule out other causes for the bowel problems, such as chronic inflammatory bowel disease, gastrointestinal infections or food intolerances.

Keep a food diary

How irritable bowel syndrome develops is not fully understood. Those affected probably have a particularly sensitive bowel. Infections could also play a role. Recently, it has also been suspected that tiny tears in the intestinal wall allow harmful substances and pathogens to penetrate. Mental stress seems to promote the symptoms. A food diary can help patients to find out which foods cause the symptoms to an increased extent.

Relaxation is important

Regular meals (e.g. five small meals a day) where food is chewed slowly are helpful. Bloating foods should be avoided. Make sure you drink enough (approx. 1.5 to two liters a day) and try to reduce stress. Drink alcohol in moderation at most. Regular exercise (e.g. walks) is just as advisable as relaxation (e.g. yoga or tai chi). Studies have also shown that certain bacteria have a positive effect on symptoms; this applies, for example, to the bifidobacteria strain B. bifidum MIMBb75 (in "Kijimea", available over the counter in pharmacies).