Healthy Intestine - A Healthy You

Intestine or bowel (comprising the small and the large intestine) serves as a major role in the human body wherein the digested food passes by and the place where exactly the nutrients get absorbed in the body. As such any malfunctioning or disorder of the intestine may lead to massive problems with the human body.'

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) refers to one such disorder which is primarily due to changes in the bowel movements. This involves abdominal pain and cramping. Some problem with the muscles in the intestine, or the intestine being more sensitive to the movement can be some reasons leading to Irritable Bowel Syndrome. But in most of the cases, it occurs after an intestinal infection along with other triggers.

Most often, occurring in the adolescent age or early adulthood, IBS is more common in women. Also the most common intestinal complaint for which patients are referred to a gastroenterologist.

While abdominal pain, gas, and loss of appetite are some of the common symptoms of IBS, the treatment requires lifestyle and dietary changes for the patient. However, in general, no specific diet can be prescribed, changes such as avoiding large meals, chocolates, milk products, alcohol, tea, colas and increased intake of dietary fiber turn out to be beneficial in the treatment.

Another intestinal disorder commonly encountered is 'Gluten intolerance'. This generally happens with a person becoming more sensitive to the Gluten ( a rubbery protein mostly found in cereals that gives dough its ability to be stretched). A reaction in the lining of small intestine happens when a person with Gluten intolerance happens to consume Gluten. This results in tissue destruction and the intestine’s ability to absorb nutrients gets decreased. A variety of nutritional defects, diarrhea, and anemia are quite common among patients suffering from Gluten Intolerance. As far as treatment is concerned, there is no specific treatment for gluten intolerance. The best thing to do is to avoid Gluten rich foods in your diet.

Last but not the least; a physician is the best person to contact for any intestine related problems.