IRRITABLE BOWEL SYNDROME

"I feel uncomfortable and have frequent bouts of diarrhoea. I worry about it rather obsessively and I don't like to go anywhere if I can't be near a lavatory. "

Irritable bowel syndrome, often called simply IBS, is a malfunction of the way in which the contents of the digestive system - the food you eat - moves through your intestine. This malfunction is closely related to the way your intestine reacts both to diet and the stresses of everyday life. Stress affects everyone in different ways. Some people develop problems with their breathing or circulation, but for people who suffer from IBS the bowel is the weak link. The symptoms of IBS are unpleasant and include abdominal pain, bouts of diarrhoea and constipation (often erratic and unpredictable, alternating from one to the other), a bloated, distended abdomen, wind, and mucus in the stools.

IBS is surprisingly common: between 8 and 17 per cent of people in developed countries suffer from it. Extremes range from robust, healthy individuals who accept their symptoms and pay them little attention, to others who are too scared to move far from the lavatory, and whose digestive system has become the focal point of their lives.

HOW TO MANAGE IBS

1.	LEARN A RELAXATION TECHNIQUE	Alternately tensing and relaxing selected groups of muscles can help to reduce lBS.
2.	EAT REGULAR, HEALTHY MEALS	Never hurry your food; eat slowly. Take time for a leisurely breakfast. Eat high-fibre, low-fat foods such as wholemeal bread, fruit and vegetables, and dried fruit and pulses, such as beans and lentils.
3.	DON'T AVOID	Try not to avoid stressful situations, as this will only make your symptoms worse in the long run. Watch out for the vicious spiral of worrying thoughts and avoidance, leading to worse symptoms.
4.	KEEP PHYSICALLY ACTIVE	Take your mind off your symptoms by doing exercises, especially those that strengthen the abdominal muscles, such as sit-ups.
5.	WIND	Try peppermint oil capsules or minty sweets as a remedy to help relieve wind.
6.	DIARRHOEA	Before each meal drink a dessertspoonful of cider vinegar in a glass of water.
7.	CONSTIPATION	Drink plenty of fluids. Eat a high-fibre breakfast and allow yourself 10-15 minutes in the lavatory. Don't strain. Don't worry if you can’t go.