CBSHealthWatch- Library - Diet for Spastic Colon

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Diet for Spastic Colon

Q: What diet is best for treating spastic colon? Can stress make the symptoms of

this problem worse?

A: Spastic colon is another term for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), a common

disorder characterized by abdominal pain and abnormal bowel movements. Doctors

believe it may be caused by abnormal movement of the intestines or

" oversensitive " nerves in the intestines. Although there is no cure for IBS,

most people can manage the symptoms and are not more likely to develop other

bowel problems. Because some people with IBS have more problems with

constipation and others have more problems with diarrhea, dietary treatment

varies from person to person. But nearly everybody with this condition should

try a high-fiber diet with lots of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. For

some people, fiber supplements like wheat bran, psyllium, or Metamucil as

recommended by a doctor, can help add fiber to the diet. For people with pain,

bloating, or flatulence, eating fewer gas-producing foods (such as beans,

onions, celery, carrots, raisins, bananas, brussel sprouts, wheat germ,

pretzels, and bagels) may help.

Because the cause of IBS isn't clear, the role that stress plays in the disorder

is also uncertain. People who have been abused in the past may be at high risk

for irritable bowel syndrome. And scientists hypothesize that stress may impact

the disease through the central processing of the already abnormal nerve signals

from the bowel.

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[Guest guest]

Hi,

I have IBS and I never know when it is going to hit me. It does not seem to

relate to my diet......more to my emotional status. I will have a week or so

where it just keeps up. I have the cramping and diarrhea type. I take

Immodium and that helps me alot. Within 1/2 hour it helps me. The gastro

dr. said that is about the best to use.

Jeannette