That uncomfortable feeling!

We get irritated for various reasons and our behaviour is unpredictable, our bowels too can get irritated and uncomfortable. Experienced Ayurvedic consultant, teacher and former CEO of Indian Medical Practitioner's Cooperative Pharmacy and Stores, Dr. V. R. Seshadri points out, “Considering that the number of frequent travellers, workaholics, those who eat fast food and those who ‘eat what they get, when they get it' is on the rise, it is no surprise that Irritable bowel syndrome has become more prevalent.” However, irregular eating patterns need not be the sole cause for IBS. “IBS is generally concluded by exclusion, after ruling out other health issues that cause similar symptoms such as lactose intolerance, thyroid problems, celiac disease, inflammatory bowel disease, parasitic infections, diverticulitis and colon cancer,” says Dr. Subramanian. “If there is an uncomfortable change in your bowel movements and/or you notice other associated symptoms of gastric discomfort that remain for three to four days or more, it is time to check for IBS,” suggests Dr. Subramanian. IBS should be handled at three levels: food, medicine and exercise, and exercise includes strict eating discipline,” says Dr. Seshadri.