Approximately 10-15% of people in the United States suffer from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), yet only 5-7% receive a diagnosis, according to the American College of Gastroenterology. IBS is a functional gastrointestinal disorder that is chronic and difficult to control. Symptoms may include abdominal pain or discomfort as well as altered bowel habits (diarrhea, constipation, or both).
IBS can be incredibly disruptive to a patient’s quality of life, causing them to miss work, school, and social activities on a regular basis. Patients who have IBS are reported to make more visits to the doctor’s office for diagnostic tests, are prescribed more medications, and are hospitalized more often than someone without a gastrointestinal diagnosis.
Traditionally, IBS patients have focused on lifestyle, diet, and stress reduction as a means of treatment, with varying success. There is no cure for IBS. New therapies in the form of bioavailable nutraceuticals, however, offer realistic hope for IBS sufferers.
One of the critical goals of Alternative Medicine Review is to advocate for these scientifically-founded natural and preventive solutions.