Irritable bowel syndrome or IBS in short, is one of the most common reasons that people visit their doctors and skip work. Symptoms of IBS include cramps, bloating, diarrhoea, and constipation. Farting and defecating usually brings temporary relief for such conditions.

The nerves lining the colon of IBS patients are more sensitive to bowel contractions and to the passage of gas and other normal digestive processes. Job or emotional stress may also be a cause for IBS.

IBS may be very uncomfortable, but it is not likely to lead to any serious illness. If the symptoms are not very severe, the condition may just go away by itself.

Here are some steps you can take to ease the discomfort caused by IBS:

1. Eat smaller and more frequent meals.

2. Avoid high-fat foods and other possible culprits like coffee, tea, chocolate, eggs etc.

3. If you are suffering from constipation, add fibre rich foods like fruits, veggies, whole grains and legumes to your diet, but do so gradually, because fibre can sometimes cause cramping and bloating in some people suffering from IBS.

4. If you want to eat your favorite foods, eat only small portions to satisfy your cravings.

5. Eat plenty of curd.

5. Avoid sugar substitutes such as sorbitol or mannitol, that are used in many products, because they can cause diarrhoea.

6. Also avoid alcohol and aerated drinks.

7. Regular exercise, yoga, meditation and other kinds of relaxation therapies may also be useful.

Also read: Home Remedies For Gas Pain, Constipation , Diarrhea and Heart burn .