PHOTOS: GETTY, ISTOCK
AROUND ONE IN FIVE of us are likely to suffer from Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) at some point in our lives. For some people, the symptoms can be mild and short-lived; for others it can be a chronic, debilitating and painful condition that affects our confidence, wellbeing and general enjoyment of life.
The causes are unclear (although gastroenteritis and emotional trauma are thought to be involved in initiating the condition), but there are two recognised triggers for IBS symptoms: stress and diet (‘mood and food’). The encouraging news is that by recognising what brings on the symptoms, many people can find effective ways both to relieve and manage their condition.