Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) affects nearly one in five Americans, making it one of the most common disorders diagnosed by doctors. IBS is not a disease. It is a disorder synonymous with discomforts such as cramping, abdominal pain, bloating, constipation, and diarrhea that occurs more often in women than in men. For 50 percent of people affected, symptoms begin before the age of 35.

While they can vary from person to person, the main symptoms of IBS are abdominal pain, bloating, and discomfort. Some people experience constipation, which is a condition of the bowels in which the feces are dry and hardened and evacuation is difficult and infrequent. While others can experience diarrhea, which is frequent, loose, watery, stools. In some people, symptoms subside for a few months and then return, while others symptoms becoming progressively worse over time.

Researchers have yet to discover any specific cause for IBS. However, there are a number of factors that have been shown to contribute to its development such as:

Sensitive Colon - In this case, a person’s colon may respond strongly to stimuli such as certain foods or stress that would not bother most people.

Abnormal Levels of Serotonin - Research has indicated that serotonin has a direct relation with normal gastrointestinal (GI) functioning. Ninety-five percent of the serotonin, which is a chemical that delivers messages from one part of your body to another is located in the GI tract . The other 5 percent is found in the brain. Cells that line the inside of the bowel work as transporters and carry the serotonin out of the GI tract. People with IBS, however, have diminished receptor activity, which leads to abnormal levels of serotonin existing in the GI tract. As a result, people with IBS experience problems with bowel movement, motility, and sensation—having more sensitive pain receptors in their GI tract.

Bacterial Infection - Studies indicate that a bacterial infection in the gastrointestinal tract may be a cause of IBS.

Other factors that may worsen symptoms include:

- Large Meals

- Bloating from gas in the colon

- Prescription Medications

- Foods such as wheat, rye, barley, chocolate, milk products

- Alcohol

- Drinks containing caffeine, such as coffee, tea, or colas

- Stress

Before you run to your doctor who will perform his daily duty of funding some drug company’s bank account by prescribing medication to you, try some of these natural approaches to treating IBS.

Insoluble Fiber - This is my first choice on the list of remedies. Adding whole grains to your diet will help create firm, bulky stools. Insoluble fiber will normalize digestion and may help relieve constipation, which is a symptom of IBS. I suggest a minimum intake of 20 grams of fiber on a daily basis. Be sure to drink plenty of pure water along with a high-fiber diet otherwise this dietary solution will be ineffective.

Peppermint oil (Mentha piperita) - The most frequent and disabling symptom of IBS is abdominal pain. This can be greatly improved when the intestinal muscles are relaxed. By blocking the convergence of calcium into muscle cells and inhibiting excess contraction of intestinal muscles, peppermint oil can reduce abdominal pain and distension associated with IBS. Aside from that, it is a carminative, which means it helps eliminate intestinal gas. To ensure that it reaches the intestines intact, peppermint oil should only be used in enteric-coated capsules.

Fennel seed (Foeniculum vulgare) - Fennel is another herb that is used to relieve spasm of the gastrointestinal tract and feelings of bloating.

Gamma-oryzanol - Gamma-oryzanol is a natural substance derived from rice bran oil. Studies have shown that by regulating nervous system control and exerting anti-oxidant activity, it protects the mucus lining of the gastrointestinal tract.. Clinical studies have shown gamma-oryzanol to be effective in a broad range of gastrointestinal complaints, including IBS.

Magnesium - This mineral has been used many times in treating abdominal cramps and constipation. I recommend taking 200 mg two to three times per day.

Identify and remove food in tolerances - Figure out what foods are giving you the most problems and eliminate them.

Behavioral Therapy - Since IBS can be caused by stress, conflict and emotional imbalances, behavioral therapy such as relaxation therapy and hypnosis therapy can greatly reduce symptoms.