Do you suffer from most under-diagnosed digestive disorder?

Do you ever suffer with abdominal pain, uncomfortable bloating or embarrassing gas? Do you find yourself avoiding social functions or coming in late to work because of debilitating pain?

Do you need to run to the bathroom after you eat a meal? Or conversely, do you feel like you need to move your bowels but can’t?

If so, you may be suffering from IBS, a common gastrointestinal disorder that can cause severe abdominal pain. If you have IBS, your gut becomes more sensitive and the muscles of your digestive system have abnormal contractions that affect your bowel movements.

The good news is that although IBS is uncomfortable, it does not permanently harm your body. And, with the right information you can learn to manage the symptoms so you can lead a normal, active, healthy life.

Here’s What You Need to Know to Feel Better NOW

Millions of Americans are silently suffering from painful stomach problems such as bloating, gas, constipation and diarrhea. These symptoms are classic signs of irritable bowel syndrome, or IBS. Unfortunately, only about half of people with IBS have been diagnosed. And if you are a woman, chances are even greater that you are afflicted with IBS.

Did you know that IBS can develop after you have a bacterial infection such as salmonella? The infection often passes but your symptoms such as diarrhea can turn into a form of IBS called IBS-PI (post-infectious bowel syndrome.) An infection is only one of the causes.

What you eat has a big impact on your IBS symptoms. Most people are aware that milk and ice cream can cause abdominal discomfort. They are considered high-FODMAP foods, which should be avoided. FODMAP is a hard-to-digest carbohydrate found in a variety of foods from apples to milk to cauliflower.

Why stress management is crucial for a healthy gut. At times, we all experience stress in our lives. Have you ever noticed that when you’re stressed, you often feel queasy? That’s because the brain and the gut are closely connected. Stress can cause more contractions in the intestines and increase sensitivity. So it’s crucial to manage your stress as best as you can. Yoga is one way to help with tension buildup in your body. The experts at Harvard also recommend five additional stress-busting techniques that can help calm you down and reduce your IBS symptoms.

Which supplements and prescription medications are best for your type of IBS? Doctors often prescribe over-the- counter medications to treat IBS symptoms. If you have IBS-C, supplements that contain soluble fiber and osmotic laxatives often reduce IBS symptoms.

We all know it can be uncomfortable to discuss your digestive issues with your doctor. With the right information, you will better understand your symptoms and start the conversation with your doctor. Harvard Health experts, the leaders in medical science, created a report to help you deal with your digestive difficulties. It’s called Managing Irritable Bowel Syndrome and it’s chock full of straightforward advice on diagnosing, treating and coping with IBS symptoms.

This easy-to-understand special report gives you all the facts and advice you need to deal with IBS and its symptoms.

Source: Harvard Health Publications