Irritable bowel syndrome is a digestive condition in which the walls of the intestines don't necessarily work as they should. Instead of relaxing and contracting in an even fashion, the intestines spend more of their time in a state of contraction, prompting loose or hard stools, abdominal cramping and flatulence. The actual cause of this imbalance, according to the Mayo Clinic, isn't known, but there are a number of treatments available that can help reduce and even eliminate the symptoms of this uncomfortable condition.
Diet
One of the more effective treatments for IBS involves a change in diet, namely reducing any foods that trigger the condition. Most people, according to the Mayo Clinic, will see results by "eliminating high-gas foods." This would include things like broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, raw fruits, raw vegetables and soda. The majority of these foods are part of a healthy, well-balanced diet, so people should experiment a little to see whether or not certain foods are triggers for them.
Fiber
By adding fiber into a diet, some people do see an improvement in their IBS and its accompanying flatulence. This form of treatment can work for both loose and hard stools; it just depends on the type of fiber used in the course of care. Soluble fiber can treat both, while insoluble fiber treats only the latter. With this form of treatment, a person with IBS will either take a fiber supplement or introduce high-fiber foods into his diet to improve and lessen his symptoms. A good source of soluble fiber is fruits or legumes, and a good source of insoluble fiber is grains and vegetables. While this may seem to contradict the first form of treatment, it's really about getting a person to be "regular" with his bowel movements.
Medications
Depending on the severity of IBS, a person may need to start taking a medication to help relieve symptoms of the condition. These medications can be something simple like an over-the-counter anti-diarrhea medicine or something much more intensive like alosetron or lubiprostone, both prescription drugs. With alosetron, the large intestines become relaxed, lessening the frequency of contractions and thereby treating diarrhea. With lubiprostone, the small intestines see an increase in moisture, making it easier to pass stool and thereby treating constipation. Once the diarrhea or constipation is treated, other symptoms like cramping and flatulence should decrease.
Hydration
With most people, increasing the amount of water they drink each day can help treat IBS. When a person isn't properly hydrated, the body can get out of balance, including the movement of the bowels. For people with IBS, this intake of water becomes even more important, since their bodies are far more susceptible to imbalance, namely within the large intestines. By drinking at least 64 ounces of water each day, a person with IBS can help keep the frequency and consistency of bowel movements normal.
Exercise
Hearing that exercise is a treatment for IBS can make some people scoff. But the thing about exercise, especially that which is done on a daily basis, is it can bring about an equilibrium in the rhythmic movements of the large intestines. When they are put in balance, they should no longer contract more than relax and they should prompt a regularity of the bowels.
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