1. I RRITABLE B OWEL S YNDROME Rachel, Phoebe and Jordan Unit 21, Nutrition

2. W HAT IS IBS AND WHAT CAUSES IT ? IBS is a common gut disorder, causes an upset stomach. Symptoms are: Pain and Discomfort Bloating Stools (diarrhoea or constipation) Nausea Headache Poor appetite Bladder symptoms The general causes are unknown, however, there are several factors than can lead to having this disorder. E.g. food intolerance, stress, anxiety.

3. I F LEFT UNTREATED …. “If IBS symptoms go untreated in an individual with severe symptoms such as severe chronic constipation or severe chronic diarrhea, the person can have other complications that may affect their health.” Such as… Worsening of the symptoms for IBS. Anal fissures – from constipation - causing cuts on the colon, creating you to bleed when you poo. Lack of nutrition – from diarrhoea – as you lose a lot of nutrients and fluids when you have severe diarrhoea.

4. D IFFERENT TYPES OF IBS Three types of IBS. These are: IBS with constipation – “This comes with stomach pain and discomfort, bloating, abnormally delayed or infrequent bowel movement, or lumpy/hard stool.” IBS with diarrhea – “This comes with stomach pain and discomfort, an urgent need to move your bowels, abnormally frequent bowel movements, or loose/watery stool.” IBS with alternating constipation and diarrhea

5. W HAT SHOULD YOU DO ? Go to doctors (medical help, get diagnosed) Doctor may give you medication, depending on the severity of the disorder, may need to go back for regular check-ups, to check on progress and see if its been improved. However, its important to remember that sometimes people can be falsely diagnosed: and told that they have IBS because it is common, even though your symptoms might be similar, you could have something more serious. If caused by stress, get professional help to deal with this (may relieve symptoms) If caused by food intolerance, may need to keep a food diary to identify what foods may cause this. (may need to go back to the doctors, possibly more medication needed. Also you would have to avoid these foods completely.)

6. F OODS YOU SHOULD AVOID ! Greasy foods:  Pizza  Sausages  Fast food Dairy foods:  Milk  Cheese  Ice cream Whole grains: Wheat Rye Barley Raw Fruits:  Citrus (Oranges)  Melons (Watermelons) Vegetables:  Raw (onions)  Gas producing (cabbage, beans) Chocolate:  May aggravate digestive tract Spicy Foods:  Chillies  Peppers Drinks:  Fizzy drinks  Coffee  Alcohol

7. A FFECTS ON PHYSICAL HEALTH ! If not treated correctly can lead to being hospitalised, because of severe stomach pains. Can lead to always needing the toilet. (could be an inconvenience, if out in public) Constantly feeling poorly Losing weight (if not having right nutrients, which are having to be avoided)

8. V IDEO C ASE S TUDY http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Irritable-bowel- syndrome/Pages/Realstoriespage.aspx

9. R EFERENCES 1. http://www.patient.co.uk/health/Irritable-Bowel-Syndrome.htm - causes and symptoms http://www.patient.co.uk/health/Irritable-Bowel-Syndrome.htm 2. http://www.irritablebowelsyndrome.us/app/future.asp - left untreated http://www.irritablebowelsyndrome.us/app/future.asp 3. http://www.webmd.com/ibs/types-ibs - different types http://www.webmd.com/ibs/types-ibs 4. http://ibs.about.com/od/ibsfood/a/triggerfoods.htm - foods to avoid http://ibs.about.com/od/ibsfood/a/triggerfoods.htm 5. http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Irritable-bowel-syndrome/Pages/Realstoriespage.aspx - affects on health http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Irritable-bowel-syndrome/Pages/Realstoriespage.aspx