Symptoms

• According to the National Institutes of Health, discomfort or pain in the abdominal area, bloating, constipation and diarrhea are the main symptoms of IBS.
  
  

Theory

• Doctors have not determined the cause of IBS, but some believe it is a result of a sensitive colon or large intestine that reacts badly to certain foods.
  
  

Solution

• People with IBS can control their symptoms by eating whole grains, beans, fruits and vegetables.
  
  

Treatment

• In addition to consuming the right foods, doctors suggest taking a fiber laxative or anti-diarrhea medicine to combat IBS symptoms. They also prescribe an antispasmodic to help control colon muscle spasms.
  
  

Expert Insight

• Some doctors believe that stress can cause colon spasms in IBS patients. Accordingly, they recommend getting enough sleep and exercise or undergoing counseling to help decrease stress and the occurrence of these spasms.