Irritable Bowel Syndrome Medication

Irritable Bowel Syndrome is a functional disorder that affects 10 to 20 percent of people. Unlike other disorders and diseases that can be linked to some sort of cause, a functional disorder means that there is an abnormality in the body's function. IBS seems to be a result of a sort of "miscommunication" between the intestines, the autonomic nervous system and the brain. IBS is one of the most common disorders seen by general practitioners.

The symptoms of IBS include abdominal pain and irregular bowel patterns. Constipation and diarrhea are the most common complaints among IBS sufferers and treatments for IBS range from natural solutions to prescription medications. Any medication for IBS should be taken with extreme caution because of the fragility of the intestines.

Natural Laxatives

Laxatives come in four different forms: osmotic laxatives, stimulant laxatives, fiber and emollients. Fiber supplements are the most natural of these forms of laxatives, but are not very popular because they have no effect on pain associated with IBS. Fiber laxatives also have side effects such as bloating and flatulence. Fiber laxatives can be taken as supplements, which come in many different forms, such as pills, fiber crackers or powder.

The best way to ease the pains of IBS is through diet and exercise. If you're suffering from IBS, exercising may be difficult or painful, but will loosen stools and improve overall health, which will improve intestinal health. Drinking 8 to 10 glasses of water a day can help ease constipation by softening stools. Fiber can be obtained through diet by eating foods like high fiber cereals, whole grain breads, dried fruits and brown rice.