{"id":5248,"date":"2021-03-19T18:21:14","date_gmt":"2021-03-19T18:21:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.liveyourlifept.com\/blog\/?p=5248"},"modified":"2021-03-19T18:21:14","modified_gmt":"2021-03-19T18:21:14","slug":"irritable-bowel-syndrome-do-you-have-it-but-dont-want-to-face-it","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/liveyourlifept.com\/blog\/2021\/03\/19\/irritable-bowel-syndrome-do-you-have-it-but-dont-want-to-face-it\/","title":{"rendered":"Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Do You Have It But Don\u2019t Want to Face It?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) affects 10-15% of the\nAmerican population.1<\/sup> IBS may be uncomfortable to talk about, but\npeople everywhere are experiencing it, whether it may be mild or severe\nsymptoms. Addressing these bodily functions could make life much easier.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Irritable bowel syndrome is a chronic syndrome that affects\nthe large intestine. The exact cause of this is unknown but it is believed to\nbe caused by stress, poor diet, change in gut microbiome, abnormalities in the\nnervous system or irregular muscle contractions in the intestine. Symptoms of\nIBS can include abdominal pain and cramping, changes in bowel movements or\nchanges in frequency of bowel movements. Two of the most common kinds of\nirritable bowel syndrome are Chron\u2019s disease and ulcerative colitis.2<\/sup><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Chron\u2019s Disease<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Chron\u2019s Disease is a form of IBS that can affect any part of\nthe digestive tract from the mouth to the intestine. This inflammation can\npenetrate the deep layers of the bowel which, if becomes a chronic issue, can\nlead to life threatening conditions. There is no known cause of Chron\u2019s.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Signs and symptoms<\/span>: Chron\u2019s disease usually appears gradually but can also appear abruptly. Symptoms can range from mild to severe. The most common symptoms are abdominal pain, fatigue, constipation, diarrhea, or blood in the stool. Other symptoms include inflammation of the eyes, mouth, liver or bile ducts, delayed growth in adolescents and kidney stones. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Diagnosis<\/span>: There is no one test to diagnose Chron\u2019s disease. It is diagnosed by a physician after other possible causes are ruled out. Diagnostic testing includes a colonoscopy, MRI or stool sample.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Treatment<\/span>: There is no one treatment for Chron\u2019s disease. Different medications and nutrition therapies may be tried with the goal of reducing inflammation and limiting complications. There are two main treatment approaches:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

  1. Medications such as anti-inflammatories,\nantibiotics, immunes system suppressors, anti-diarrheal agents and pain\nrelievers<\/li>
  2. Nutritional approaches may also be taken. A low\nresidual diet, which is composed of easily digestible foods, is recommended. A\nlow-fiber diet may be prescribed if bowel movements are frequent. Because\nfruits and vegetables are a high source of fiber, these may not be advised.\nDairy products are suggested to be avoided since they cause bloating and\ndiarrhea. Because the nutrients from many of these foods is limited,\nnutritional supplements are recommended.4<\/sup><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    Ulcerative Colitis <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Ulcerative Colitis (UI) causes inflammation and ulcers in\nthe colon and rectum. Symptoms for UI show up slowly, rather than suddenly.\nThere is no known cure, but with correct treatment, it can be well monitored. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Signs and symptoms<\/span>: UI is most commonly found before the age of 30. It is seen in all races and ethnicities, but more commonly seen in Jewish decent. If someone in your immediate family has UI, you are also at higher risk.\u00a0 Symptoms for UI are the same as IBS, along with rectal bleeding, diarrhea with blood and fever. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Diagnosis<\/span>: An endoscopic procedure to analyze colon tissue can diagnose UI. Blood tests and stool samples may also be done. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Treatment<\/span>: Like Chron\u2019s, drug treatment is often prescribed, such as anti-inflammatories, antibiotics, and immune system depressors. Surgery is more common with UI, which removes the entire colon. Paired with medication, lifestyle alterations such as the following are also recommended:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    1. Stress: <\/strong>A flare up of symptoms can\noccur with increased stress. Managing your stress is advised. See one of our\nprevious blog<\/a>\nto help reduce stress.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    2. Nutrition:<\/strong> Although nutrition\ntherapy is not as common with UI as Chron\u2019s disease, the following recommendations\ncan help ease symptoms:<\/p>\n\n\n\n