IBS is a disorder that can greatly affect your life, if you don't get help for it. You will find that you will have inhibitions about committing to things in advance because you never know when your irritable bowel is going to worsen. You become stressed over regularly occuring situations. Sometimes you may have to run for the bathroom up to eight or ten times a day.

Here are seven of the top things that you should know about IBS.

1. IBS is a functional disorder in which the bowel doesn't work as it should. IBS or Irritable Bowel Syndrome is a functional bowel disorder of the gastrointestinal tract in which the nerves and muscles in the bowel are extra-sensitive. The intestines squeeze too hard or not hard enough and cause food to move too quickly or too slowly through the intestines.

Sometimes irritable bowel syndrome is referred to as spastic colon, mucous colitis, spastic colitis, nervous stomach, or irritable colon. The disorder is sometimes regarded as a form of colitis, although its symptoms do not include inflammation. IBS affects between 10-20% of the general population.

2. What the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome are.
The symptoms of IBS are intestinal cramps, constipation, diarrhea, and flatulence. Other symptoms aremucus in the stool, swollen or bloated abdomen, and the feeling that you have not finished a bowel movement. All of the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome are caused by abnormal contractions in the colon.

3. What you eat and drink can trigger symptoms.
Consuming too many foods containing a lot of fat, chocolate, alcohol, caffeine, carbonated drinks, or sugars may make your symptoms seem worse. Milk and wheat products sometimes cause problems for a few people who suffer with IBS.

4. What you eat and drink can reduce symptoms.
Getting more fiber will help relieve constipation, and diarrhea symptoms of the colon disorder. It is recommeded that you consume approximately 25 grams of fiber daily.

Fiber reduces IBS symptoms because it makes stool soft, bulky, and easier to pass. Fiber is found in vegetables, fruit, bread, cereal, and beans. Add foods with fiber to your diet a little at a time to let your body get used to them.

Too much fiber all at once might cause gas, which can trigger symptoms in a person with IBS. Eating smaller meals can also help tremendously.

5. Stress doesn't cause IBS, but it can trigger symptoms. To keep stress at a healthy level any type of exercise is a step in the right direction. Finding a time to be alone and reflect and meditate will also help tremendously.

6. IBS doesn't damage the bowel. You don't have to worry about IBS damaging the bowel. However it is advised to see your physician to rule out any more serious disorders or disease.

7. Oral Medication for IBS.
Now there are natural botanical treatments available to help your digestive system heal, process food easier, settling the stomach, and relieving stress and anxiety. With this type of treatment your digestive system will be able to work with less effort thus reducing pain.