IBS - What is it
Irritable Bowel Syndrome, can take years to pin point, or it can be sudden onset, and the symptoms can be very varied: Constipation Varying or watery stools Headaches Cravings Burping Acid Reflux Mood Swings Depression Eczema Bloating Gas Abdominal discomfort Protruding Belly Urgent bowel movements Often individuals believe they have an intolerance and seek testing, which may then show nothing is wrong. The intolerance tests will have shown that the immune system is not responding to allergens. This does not mean there isn't a problem. In fact the absence of an intolerance makes it easier for practitioners to work with the patient, in recommending foods to remove and foods to introduce, in order to be IBS free, or control the symptoms. Therefore, keep an open mind when you have abdominal or gastric symptoms. Try not to pin your expectations on an intolerance which would appear to be easy to resolve. You may have IBS as a result of your digestive system or elimination system struggling to handle certain foods, or how you are combining them. Also, if your symptoms have lingered for many years, resolution may take time, so be patient and work with the practitioner. It can be easy to label an individual with IBS, where their symptoms are in fact related to something else: Gallstones Kidney Stones Ovarian Cysts Fibroids B12 Deficiency Carcinoma If symptoms persist it is suggested that you seek the advice of your GP