IBS, or Irritable Bowel Syndrome, is a medical condition affecting millions of people worldwide, but particularly in western society where a decrease in food quality, unhealthy eating habits and lack of physical activity is contributing to the increase in cases of IBS. When talking about what is IBS one needs to look at the symptoms as well as the causes.  No two cases of IBS are exactly the same, and as such diagnosis can be difficult sometimes. Irritable bowel syndrome is a disorder of the intestines and bowel. The first symptoms often include frequent diarrhea, constipation, frequent bowel movements, a bloated feeling, cramps and excessive gas. Some people experience only one or two symptoms whilst other people may experience them all at different points in time. Many sufferers find that certain foods may trigger the symptoms, although these foods can be difficult to pinpoint. Because the symptoms of IBS are common and seemingly harmless, many people ignore them and do not seek medical advice. They key to knowing if IBS is a possibility is the frequency of symptoms. Most people experience digestive upsets, however if they are very frequent then there is likely an underlying cause.

It is thought that IBS affects up to 15% of people which is more than just about any other health condition. Some people have such a bad case of IBS that it affects their quality of life. Many people find that they avoid certain situations due to the fact that they know they will need to attend the bathroom often. This can become embarrassing and people then delve into depression and social anxiety. To avoid this happening to you, always speak to your doctor about possible treatment options.

There are also a range of recommended natural remedies for IBS as well as simple dietary changes and additions that have worked for some people that you may be interested in experimenting with to ease the symptoms of your irritable bowel syndrome. Some remedies that people have found to work well include colonic massage, acupuncture, meditation, herbal remedies and specific diets that minimize the intake of any food that is known to cause any sort of bowel or digestive irritation.