Coping with IBS Constipation
March 3, 2009 by admin
Filed under Featured, IBS, IBS Solutions
Constipation is a common occurrence with many people and for IBS sufferers getting accurate information on their symptoms is a step towards obtaining help in improving the condition. Although it is not known why some develop IBS with constipation and other do not, the constipation can be caused by a sensitive, slow working gastro-intestinal tract, which causes recurring abdominal pain, bloating and constipation. IBS with constipation is a treatable medical condition and you should first consult your primary care physician before taking other steps.
The gastrointestinal tract reacts to the changes in serotonin, which is a natural occurring chemical in the body that plays an important role in making the gastrointestinal tract function normally and while it is not clear why some people develop IBS with constipation while others do not, it is a known fact that it is affected by diet and disease.
Most constipation occurrences are due to insufficient fibre in the diet as well as inadequate consumption of fluids. Fluids and fibre both play an important role in our body functions. Fibre is important as they help to soften the stool, and fluids help to flush stools through the body.
People that are in the 65 and over age range have a tendency to experience more bouts of constipation due to medications, poor diet, and lack of water intake, as well as poor muscle tone. Younger people also suffer from irregular bowel movement, also experience bloating and abdominal pains. People that travel also experience bouts of IBS/constipation as they tend to suppress the urge to go to the bathroom.
For IBS there is no specific cure for the constipation; however there are treatments to assist bowel functions to help them stabilize which helps diminish the cramping which then also lessen the pain. For some the symptoms are temporary and happen occasionally and no treatment may be required. For others who have persistent and chronic symptoms a special course of treatment may be required. Since there is no specific therapy that will resolve all symptoms, a doctor’s visit is necessary to determine the severity and changes that are required to live pain free.
The first step that you can take control of are a few lifestyle changes that will help in the health of the intestinal tract. Eating smaller amounts of food more frequently will help in the digestive process not getting overwhelmed, taking some time to relax, sleep, and exercise and all these changes will enable you to deal with stress a lot better and in turn will help in eliminating the stress to the body.
Fibre in ones diet is also tremendous in helping control IBS with constipation. Dietary fibres add bulk to the stool creating ones that are much larger and softer making bowel movements easier and less painful. Psychotherapy is another tool that can assist as in some IBS cases stress sometimes affects bowel movement and psychotherapy can assist in coping with chronic illness and uncovering emotional triggers that may be present.
