Back to Newsletter Article Get The Facts About IBS

If you suffer from abdominal pain or discomfort and your bowel habits have changed, you might have a disorder known as irritable bowel syndrome, or IBS. IBS affects from 10% to 15% of the U.S. population, says the International Foundation for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders (IFFGD). IBS affects people of all ages, even children. About two of every three sufferers are female.

April is IBS Awareness Month. Key symptoms of the disorder are pain or discomfort in the abdomen (the area below your chest and above your hips). Other symptoms have to do with bowel habits, such as diarrhea or constipation. Peppermint oil and fiber are effective treatments. Dietary fiber can improve mild constipation. Add fiber to your diet slowly, over a period of several weeks. If bran causes bloating or excessive gas, the IFFGD suggests a fiber substitute such as psyllium, taken with plenty of water.

See HelpforIBS.com for ideas about what to eat and how to eat. Click here for more information about IBS and treating it with a psyllium fiber supplement.