The IBS - constipation connection

Irritable Bowel Syndrome, or IBS, occurs from abnormal behaviour of the bowels. There are two major clinical types of IBS.

• One is diarrhea-predominant, with bouts of diarrhea striking typically during the daytime, as opposed to night.
• The second type of IBS is constipation-predominant.

Constipation IBS occurs often, between stretches of normal stool frequency. There is often pain in at least one area of a patient’s colon. Stool can contain clear or white mucus. Some patients have described their pain as colicky, or coming intermittently. Others report a constant ache. Often pain is relieved by a bowel movement. Eating brings on symptoms.

What exactly is a constipation symptom? One definition is that it’s the passage of small amounts of hard, dry bowel movements, usually fewer than three times a week. Those bowel movements are painful, and the abdomen feels bloated.

What’s a cause of constipation? As food moves through the colon (large intestine), the colon absorbs water and nutrients, leaving behind waste products, or stool. Muscles make the colon move in waves to push the stool toward the rectum. By the time stool reaches the rectum, it is solid because most of the water has been absorbed.

If too much water has been absorbed, or the food moved too slowly, the stools are hard and dry.

A few simple tips will help treat and prevent constipation:

• Increase consumption of fiber.
• Drink more liquids.
• Increase exercise.
• Set aside time in the morning and evening for relaxed visits to the toilet.
• Pay attention to the urge to defecate.
• Keep in mind that it’s usual to have changes in bowel movements.
• But whenever there’s a change in bowel movements that’s significant, consult a doctor.
• The herb fennel has brought relief from bloating associated with constipation.
• Fennel has no risks or side effects.

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Sources:

• http://www.helpforibs.com/footer/constipation.asp