That terrible tummy ache has taken your sleep away? And you thought it was just one of those days? Get up and get cracking on it because it might be a case of Irritable Bowel Syndrome(IBS). Also known as spastic colon, IBS is a functional bowel disorder characterised by mild to severe abdominal pain, discomfort, bloating in the stomach, constipation, diarrhoea and alteration of bowel habits. However, IBS does not permanently harm the intestines. And you can even control the symptoms by including the right diet, managing your stress and following the right medicines....Take a look!

SIGNS TO WATCH OUT FOR:

Though there are not any specific causes that lead to IBS, mostly it's result of a sensitive colon or large intestine. Here's what to watch out for:

1)Irritation in the large intestine

2)Loose motion that continues for at least 12 weeks in a year

3)Tummy ache that keeps on recurring depending upon the frequency of passing stools

4)Bleeding in the stool

5)Getting up in the middle of the night to go to the washroom

6)Significant weight loss in a short span of time

7)Recent changes in bowel habit

8)Depression, stress and anxiety

STRESS AND IBS:

It might sound strange but stress can stimulate colon spasams in people suffering from IBS. It happens because colon has several nerves that are connected to the brain. These nerves control the contractions of the colon and cause abdominal discomfort when we are stressed. Now you know where those cramps come from? Stress management is an important part of treatment for IBS. Here's how to manage it:

a)Stress reduction training and therapies such as regular meditation and medication help

b)Regular exercise such as walking or yoga

c)Changes to the stressful situations

d)Taking adequate sleep

TUMMY TREATMENTS:

IBS has no such treatment but there are certain things that can ease out the problem. Most important, the patient and the doctor must share a good relationship. The doctor should be able to calm the patient down and tell him there is no reason to panic. Patients suffering from IBS are often called doctor bargainers because they tend to change a lot of doctors thinking someone would have the remedy. However, what they must understand is that it's not a disease but a functional bowel disorder and a lot of reassurance is needed. But there are certain drugs that can help ease this tummy troubler, so do consult your doctor. Following the correct guidelines can help you go a long way in treating the problem.

DIET:

For those suffering from Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), it is important to be careful about the diet. Eat foods that make your digestive system healthy

1)IBS is triggered by food with high caffeine content

2)Cut down on sugar

3)Avoid foods with yeast

4)Cut down on dairy products. However, you can have pro-biotic curd without sugar

5)Have soup with meat, beans and non-starchy vegetables

6)Avoid grains, corn and rice