IBS troubles a lot but doesn’t cause cancer . Top tips in IBS .

The irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) can cause bouts of stomach cramps, bloating, diarrhoea and/or constipation.  The symptoms vary between individuals and affect some people more severely than others.  They tend to come and go, for periods lasting a few days to a few months at a time, often during times of stress or after eating certain foods.

What causes IBS?

The exact cause of IBS is unknown, but most experts think that it’s related to an increased sensitivity of the gut and problems digesting food.
These problems may mean that you are more sensitive to pain coming from your gut, and you may become constipated or have diarrhoea because your food passes through your gut either too slowly or too quickly.

Psychological factors such as stress may also play a part in IBS.
1. Identify and avoid foods or drinks that trigger your symptoms;
alter the amount of fibre in your diet
2. Exercise regularly
3. Reduce your stress levels
4. Medication is sometimes prescribed for people with IBS to treat the individual symptoms they experience.

Living with IBS

IBS is unpredictable.
You may go for many months without any symptoms, then have a sudden flare-up.
Speak to your Doctor if you have feelings of depression or anxiety that are affecting your daily life.  These problems rarely improve without treatment, and your doctor  can recommend medications such as antidepressants or cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), which can help you cope with IBS, as well as directly treating the condition.

With appropriate medical and psychological treatment, you should be able to live a healthy, full and active life with IBS.
To conclude I must say:  Remember the 3 R’s in IBS
R1: Revise your diagnosis, be sure you are not just labelled IBS
R2: Read about IBS
R3: Relax.  IBS troubles but doesn’t cause cancer or any life-threatening illness

IBS does not pose a severe threat to your physical health and does not increase your chances of developing cancer or other bowel-related conditions.
Be sure all other causes are ruled out, and you are not just labelled IBS