Irritable bowel syndrome 101 part 4

Treatment

The treatment of IBS is difficult and no one treatment is adequate for all patients. The major emphasis of therapy focuses on changes in diet, drugs, behavior, and alternative therapies

Dietary therapy

It has been known that certain foods can trigger IBS symptoms. These foods include caffeine, citrus, corn, dairy lactose, wheat, and wheat gluten. The two most common foods that can worsen IBS include Lactose and caffeine. It is highly recommended that individuals who have IBS keep a diary to identify and avoid trigger foods. Based on elimination of certain foods, at least 50 percent of individuals can have a dramatic reduction in their condition.

The role of Probiotics and other dietary changes have not been effective in treatment of IBS. However, some patients develop symptoms that occur with all types of foods. These individuals are the most difficult to treat.

There are some experts who recommend dietary fiber for treating IBS. It is believe that fiber can hold more water, increases lubrication, and bulk of stools. The evidence for dietary fiber in treating IBS is not very strong. Some studies do show improvement, whereas others show no difference in symptoms.

However, individuals with IBS who have constipation should try out dietary fiber. Dietary fiber is cheap, readily available and very safe. Synthetic fibers can improve symptoms but produce more gas. Other fiber containing foods include psyllium and linseed, both of which are natural and provide good lubrication to stools. Wheat bran is good but should not be consumed by individuals who have gluten sensitivity.

Those individuals with IBS with slow transit time may show improvement with use of osmotic laxatives like magnesium salts, phosphate salts and polyethylene glycol. Other fiber substances that have been used include hydrolyzed guar gum. A number of studies have shown that guar gum is especially useful for individuals who cannot tolerate other fibers.