Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common condition that can cause severe discomfort causing people to consult their doctors. The most common symptoms of IBS are abdominal pain, bloating, wind, constipation, diarrhoea and mucous in stools. A large portion of people who see there doctor have no specific disease found and medicines are prescribed to help with there symptoms without addressing the cause of the symptoms. In most cases it is something we are eating that is irritating the bowel, all this can be made worse with stress. A nutritional approach offers hope for many people with IBS. Several research studies and clinical experience indicate that two thirds of people with IBS will improve or become symptom free if they identify and avoid the food to which they are intolerant. In one study, 21 patients with IBS went on a strict elimination diet for 1 week, limiting their diet to a single meat, a single fruit, and water. In 14 of the 21 patients, symptoms disappeared on the elimination diet. Foods were then added back, one at a time, in order to determine which ones were causing the symptoms. The offending foods were identified as follows; wheat, corn, dairy products, coffee, tea, citrus fruits. The best way to identify the offending food is to under go an elimination diet and retesting programme described in Allergy Elimination Diet Having adequate amounts of fibre in your diet has a beneficial effect on bowel function. Good sources of fibre are whole grains, fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts and seeds. In addition, adequate amounts of water, such as six glasses per day, are needed in order for fibre to exert its beneficial effect on bowel function.

So what can you do to help with irritable bowel syndrome

Removal of known food allergens or food irritants is imperative. The most common food allergens are dairy, wheat, corn, peanuts, citrus, soy, eggs, fish, and tomatoes. An elimination/challenge trial may be helpful in uncovering sensitivities. Remove all suspected allergens from the diet for two weeks. Add in one food every three days and wait for reaction which may include digestive upset, headache, fatigue, flushing, or worsening of symptoms.
Fibre supplementation helps reduce abdominal pain, cramping, and gas. Supplements include psyllium, flaxmeal, slippery elm (Ulmus fulva) powder, marshmallow root (Althaea officinalis) powder.
Digestive enzymes taken 20 minutes before meals can help enhance digestion and normalize bowel function.
One teaspoon of raw bran with each meal, supplemented by extra fluids, provides fibre reliably.
Acidophilus and lactobacillus supplements taken 2 to 3 times a day can help to rebalance normal bowel flora and reduce gas and bloating.
Magnesium (200 mg 2 to 3 times a day) and B-complex (50 to 100 mg/day) with extra B5 (pantothenic acid; 100 mg/day) may help to reduce the effects of stress.
Low-fat diets may relieve abdominal pain following meals. Patients with spasm and constipation often benefit from dietary fibre supplementation.
Supplements

Peppermint Oil - Peppermint is widely used for its antispasmodic, antiseptic, carminative, anaesthetic, and choleretic properties. It aids digestion and is held to be helpful for many stomach problems, irritable bowel syndrome, nausea, morning sickness, dysmenorrhoea, diarrhoea, constipation, and flatulence. Studies show that peppermint oil acts as a choleretic, stimulating the flow of bile, which improves digestion. Peppermint oil also has antiviral properties, inhibiting many viruses that cause digestive problems.

Slippery Elm - is used internally for its soothing, protective demulcent effects on irritated tissues and surfaces. Slippery Elm helps nourish and soothe mucous membrane linings in the digestive tract.

Acidophillus - The primary purpose of acidophilus, and other indigenous micro-flora, is to reinforce the protective barrier of the mucosal surfaces and prevent the attachment of pathogenic microorganisms and entrance of allergens. They accomplish this through several mechanisms of action including competing with pathogens for epithelial space and nutrients, and maintaining the epithelial surface at a low, acidic pH that is inhibitory to pathogenic bacteria.