Definition
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a functional disorder of the bowel that may include the symptoms of bloating, gas, diarrhea, constipation, nausea, and cramps over an extended period of time.
The intensity of these symptoms can range from mildly irritating, to altogether disabling. In contrast to Inflammatory Bowel Disease, there is no physical change noted in the digestive tract with IBS.

Causes
There is not a single clear reason as to what causes Irritable Bowel Syndrome as it generally has a number of intertwined causes. Almost all mainstream medical institutions declare that there is no known cause for Irritable Bowel Syndrome. They speculate that it may arise as a result of stress or diet, with the symptoms of IBS usually beginning around age 20.

Some believe that one major cause of Irritable Bowel Syndrome could be heavy metal toxicity, particularly from mercury dental amalgams. Others suggest that IBS may occur from overuse of antibiotics, food allergies, nutritional deficiencies (particularly a lack of magnesium), and/or chronic fungal infection, such as Candida. IBS may also stem from hypercoagulability, or thick blood, a circulatory disorder that lowers the blood flow to the small and large intestines.

Common Symptoms
You may have Irritable Bowel Syndrome if you are experiencing any of these symptoms:
► Fatigue
► Nausea
► Headache
► Flatulence/gas
► Painful bloating
► Abdominal discomfort, usually in the lower abdominal area
► A recurring change in bowel movements that can alternate between chronic constipation and bouts of diarrhea.

Diagnosis
Irritable Bowel Syndrome is diagnosed based on these criteria:
► Abdominal pain or discomfort that lasts for at least 12 weeks out of the previous 12 months.
► Pain is relieved by having a bowel movement.
► When the pain starts, there is a change in the frequency of bowel movements or a change in the form of the stool.

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