IBS is short for irritable bowel syndrome, distinguished by a list of symptoms. These include abdominal pain, bloated feeling, gas and cramping. Bowel of both extremes is common meaning with IBS, constipation, diarrhea or a combination of both is possible. It is not considered as a disease but an inability of the body to function properly. Although there are no specific constipation remedies to treat IBS constipation, the symptoms can be relieved with a few minor changes in the diet and the person's lifestyle.

Since many patients don't realize how much diet can affect IBS symptoms, they continue to make poor food choices. Certain foods can actually trigger IBS episodes, causing constipation or more commonly diarrhea. Although these "trigger" foods often differ from person to person, there are certain foods that doctors suggest that patients eat, and others that they should avoid.

Depending on the type of IBS you have, you should eat a high fibre diet or you should eat a low fibre diet. It's almost laughable. Except that it isn't funny. Millions of people suffer from irritable bowel syndrome and the frustrations of trying to find the appropriate diet or medication or both often only serve to make the already painful and sometimes embarrassing symptoms even worse.

Apart from the obvious symptoms like the excruciating stomach cramps, diarrhoea and constipation in equal measure, mucus or even blood on the stool (it is an extremely frightening experience the first couple of times you see blood in the toilet and you never get used to it), low energy, bloating and often very embarrassing flatulence possibly the worst aspect of having irritable bowel syndrome is that feeling you are always going to have it.

For instance, gluten is recognized as one of the leading causes of constipation in IBS sufferers. Therefore, a gluten-free diet may help alleviate symptoms. In order to eliminate gluten from your diet ensure you read food labels to see if gluten is among listed ingredients. However, keep in mind that gluten-free foods tend to be low in fiber. Therefore, you may require other sources of fiber such as eating more fruits and vegetables.

Oftentimes IBS goes completely untreated. This is because a lot of people are uncomfortable, or even embarrassed, about discussing the associated symptoms with a doctor. Also the symptoms tend to come in bouts and are not always constant so may have cleared up by the time your appointment comes round.

Many people suffer from the problem of dehydration though they are not aware of it. Dehydration for a long period of time can lead to constipation. Eight glasses of water of eight ounces each should be consumed everyday on a regular basis. Drinks containing caffeine should be avoided since they cause dehydration. Water should be consumed at regular intervals during the day in order to avoid dehydration.

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