The general physician, Dr. Muhannad Jassim said that irritable bowel syndrome is one of the most common diseases of our time, as 10-15% of people around the world suffer from it. He pointed out that irritable bowel syndrome is a neurological disorder in the first place, so stabilizing the psychological state and staying away from any problems that may disturb its peace is important. It can solve 50% of colon problems.
He explained that irritable bowel syndrome is a nervous disorder that leads to an exaggerated reaction. In response to the nutritional properties of the foods eaten, which affects the movement of the colon, causing cramps, pain, and gas. The patient also experiences periodic problems with bowel movements, between constipation and diarrhea, meaning that the patient will suffer from constipation for a period of certain days, then followed by a period of diarrhea.
He pointed out that the disease is classified into 4 grades: there is a category in which constipation is prevalent, a category in which diarrhea is prevalent, a category in which the incidence of constipation and diarrhea is equal, or what is called mixed, and an unclassified category, meaning that constipation may increase sometimes and sometimes diarrhea may increase.
He said: The foods we eat have nutritional properties. There are foods that cause gas in the stomach, some foods have diarrhea properties, some may cause constipation, and some are useful for controlling colon movement, so we need to understand foods and how to eat them, so that the patient can overcome colon problems.
He added: There are many foods that cause gas in the stomach, and doctors have developed an indicator called “FODMAP.” To make it easier for the patient to know whether this food causes gas in the stomach or not, this word is an abbreviation of monosaccharides, disaccharides, oligosaccharides, polysaccharides, and fermented foods.
He stressed that an increase in the “FODMAP” index in foods means that this meal will lead to an increase in gases in the colon, and a decrease in the index means that the meal will not cause any gases in the stomach, noting that the foods that contain a high index are lentils, onions, milk, and red watermelon (jah). On the other hand, the index decreases in chicken, cucumber, and white and brown rice, so they can be eaten safely, pointing out that the index level must be verified, especially for colon patients.
Regarding how to overcome colon problems, he pointed out the importance of paying attention to the rate and type of fiber that a person eats per day, as it will determine whether he will suffer from constipation, diarrhea, or even indigestion, indicating that there are several types of dietary fiber, the most important of which is the fiber that a colon patient needs. Nervous fibers are non-fermentable fibers dissolved in water. These fibers control the movement of the colon. To solve the problems of constipation and diarrhea, but it mainly solves the problem of diarrhea, and there are insoluble fibers in water, which solve the problem of constipation, and insoluble fibers work as natural laxatives. He said: A colon patient should introduce fiber in a way that is opposite to the symptom he suffers from. If he suffers from the problem of constipation, he should introduce more insoluble fiber. However, if he suffers from diarrhea or does not suffer from anything, he should introduce soluble fiber into the water, as it is. Our predecessors work to control, as fluids absorb the problem of diarrhea, and slow down ejaculation without preventing it, but they must be added gradually. Because adding it suddenly may cause gases, but gradually, the appropriate amount of fiber is 25-35 grams per day.
He added: If the patient is unable to reach his daily fiber needs, there is no objection to using long-chain soluble fiber supplements. Psyllium is beneficial for the colon, but it should only be taken with the advice of a doctor.
He stated that cucumber is considered a soluble fiber, while brown rice is an insoluble fiber. There are many sources of mixed fiber, and they can be eaten when there is no constipation or diarrhea, such as sweet potatoes and carrots.
Dr. warned. Muhannad, a colon patient from eating spicy foods and drinking coffee. Because it may irritate the colon, especially if he suffers from diarrhea, and even constipation, as it can cause diarrhea.
Regarding the symptoms that the patient suffers from, he pointed out that this varies according to the degree, as some suffer from severe symptoms, and the disease may develop in others, which affects the quality of life, as the patient may complain of a lot of gas and discomfort all the time, in addition to that the problem may develop. It leads to hemorrhoids, in addition to a deficiency in salts, minerals, and vitamins due to diarrhea. It may also lead to weakness in the body, fatigue, paleness, hair loss, etc., while there is a group that becomes depressed because of it.
In conclusion, Dr. emphasized Muhannad stressed the importance of staying away from stress and anxiety, along with the necessity of adhering to a suitable diet, stressing that there are many foods available that are suitable for colon patients, stressing the importance of consulting a specialist doctor; In order to develop the appropriate treatment plan.
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