Constipation with Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Constipation with Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Irritable bowel syndrome, also known as IBS, is a problem mainly centered in the bowel, also known as the large intestine. The bowel is the part of lower digestive tract that makes and holds stool. The muscles surrounding the bowel are equipped with sets of nerves that activate them to hold stool in place, and sets of nerves that activate them to push stool down the digestive tract.

In IBS, the nerves in the bowel are supersensitive, but they are not equally supersensitive. Sometimes, added pressure on the bowel from eating food will activate nerves that push stool forward. This causes diarrhea.

Other times, added pressure on the bowel from eating food will activate nerves that hold stool in place. This causes constipation with irritable bowel syndrome.

Both this condition and diarrhea are usually painful in IBS. They can be accompanied by bloating, fatigue, and uncontrollable flatulence.

Fortunately, it’s possible to control this condition by simple dietary changes to make an irritable bowel syndrome eating plan.

First of all, identify the foods that trigger synptoms for you. Typically, dairy products are the chief culprit.

Cultured dairy products, like yogurt, are a good source of calcium and much easier on IBS. It’s also important not to over-do the yogurt, however.

Common diets for irritable bowel syndrome leave out beans, lentils, and raw fruits and vegetables. The gassiness they produce can activate the nerves that cause the condition with irritable bowel syndrome. You should eat cooked fruits and vegetables, however, to help get enough fiber for regularity.

Avoid stimulants. Coffee, tea, and tobacco can aggravate either this condition or diarrhea in IBS. Decaf can have the same effect.

Consider taking a fiber supplement, particularly if you experience alternating diarrhea and constipation with irritable bowel syndrome. When you have diarrhea, fiber soaks up excess fluid and makes the stool firmer so that it moves more slowly. When you are constipated, fiber bulks up the stool and gives the bowel wall the traction it needs to expel the mass downward.

Finally, if it’s possible, relax, or if you can’t relax, eat slowly and in small amounts. Too much food can set off symptoms, especially constipation, with irritable bowel syndrome. Eat small meals whenever possible.

One other consideration: If you suffer the various symptoms in addition to diarrhea and constipation with irritable bowel syndrome, make sure the problem is really IBS.

Celiac sprue, a sensitivity of the lining of the bowel to the gliadin proteins found in the gluten of wheat, rye, and barley mimics IBS. If your symptoms are worse after you eat foods bread or cereals, consider trying a gluten-free diet for a few weeks to see if there is improvement.

Also read our article about Chronic Constipation