Irritable bowel syndrome, or IBS, affects approximately 10% to 20% of adults in the United States.  It accounts for about 12% of physician visits, with women experiencing symptoms twice as frequently as men.  Statistics indicate that IBS is the second leading cause of days missed from work.   

IBS is not a disease.  It is a functional disorder, which means that the bowel does not work, as it should.  The nerves and muscles in the bowel become extra sensitive to external stimuli.  This leads to cramping, bloating, gas, diarrhea and constipation.  There are three general classifications of IBS; diarrhea predominant, constipation predominant and a cyclic type where both diarrhea and constipation are experienced at different times.  IBS can be painful, but it does not lead to bowel damage or cause any other diseases.  However, the symptoms can become so severe that people with IBS may have to plan their days with the location of restrooms an important part of each decision.  Symptoms may include diarrhea, especially after eating or first thing in the morning; feeling like you still need to have a bowel movement after you’ve already had one; feeling a strong urge to have a bowel movement; and abdominal pain and cramping that may go away after having a bowel movement.   

Those people who suffer from the diarrhea predominant and to a lesser extent the cyclic type of IBS, may be sensitive to foods and or additives.  Food sensitivities are not food allergies.  Allergies can be tested using skin test that measures IgE antibodies.  Symptoms of food allergies are acute such as hives, itching, swelling of the lips, tightness in the throat and wheezing usually occur within a few minutes to an hour after eating the causative food.  Eight foods cause 90% of all allergic reactions.  Food sensitivities can be tested with a blood test (Mediator Release Test) and have a tendency to be chronic and can lead to IBS, migraine headaches and fibromyalgia as well as other chronic conditions.  There may be several foods that are involved with food sensitivities.  Each person’s list is different. Onset of symptoms may be anywhere from less than an hour to several days.  Some sensitivity may be related to the amount of the causative food or additive eaten.  

If you believe that your symptoms may be food related, keeping a diary of the foods you eat and your symptoms for 2 to 3 weeks can help identify possible connections.  Diagnosis begins with the food diary and your physician may order other tests to rule out specific diseases.  If dietary factors seem to trigger symptoms, a health care professional should be consulted.  Licensed dietitians can help with Mediator Release Testing and a sensible phased elimination diet.  The goal of the program should be to establish a healthy eating plan while eliminating all reactive foods.  Results of reducing the acute symptoms should be noticed in 7 to 10 days.