Irritable bowel syndrome, or IBS, is a disorder that results in mild to severe digestive problems. IBS can be associated with a number of uncomfortable and negative health issues like constipation, diarrhea, abdominal pain, depression, anxiety, and stress. It generally refers to intestinal upset.

There are various treatments for the IBS. But, before starting the treatment the physician has to determine the cause and triggers of your specific IBS:

• Intestinal infections
• Gut inflammations
• Imbalanced or poor diet
• Bile acid malabsorption
• Certain foods, such as fried fatty foods, processed snacks, refined sugar, fizzy drinks, and alcohol, and even caffeine

IBS is a health condition that affects digestion and bowel movements primarily in both acute and severe bouts. IBS can also cause bloating, stomach cramps, and constipation or diarrhea so severe that it impedes quality of life.

Although, there are no particular tests used to diagnose IBS, doctors will typically observe for the above mentioned symptoms and recommend a blood test to detect any serious disease or infection. The most common IBS symptoms are:

1. Irregular bowel habits

The common symptoms IBS patients face are irregular bowel habits, such as constipation or diarrhea, and swelling, cramping, or bloating of the stomach.

2. Excessive flatulence

Excessive gas and abdominal cramping and pain are also associated with IBS. There are many associated symptoms, such as bladder problems, nausea, vomiting, backache, lethargy, and incontinence.

Once your doctor has diagnosed IBS and tested to rule out any other bowel or gastrointestinal diseases, he or she may prescribe the following IBS treatments:

1. Balance your diet

The most important treatment for IBS is a healthy, balanced diet. Stick to fresh produce, lean meats, whole grains, and healthy fats vs. processed fast foods and snacks high in refined sugars and trans fats.

2. Psychological treatments

Often mental health and IBS go hand in hand. For instance, many patients suffer from IBS or experienced worsened symptoms when under severe stress, or if they suffer from anxiety and depression. In many cases, treating underlying depression or anxiety may help clear up IBS.

3. Regular exercise

Physical movement is the best way for keeping yourself fit and healthy, and it often reduces the chance of the digestive upsets, like IBS.

4. Take a probiotics

Probiotics are a healthy dietary supplement, which introduce healthy gut flora and aim to improve your digestive health.