IRRITABLE BOWEL SYNDROME - COMMON MYTHS

Myth 1: IBS Increases Your Risk Of Colon Cancer

IBS will not develop into colon cancer, and will not increase your risk of getting colon or any other type of bowel cancer. However, because some of the symptoms of IBS and colon cancer may be similar, your doctor may recommend screening tests for colon cancer in order to exclude it, if you have “red flag features” or are at increased risk of colon cancer.

Myth 2: IBS Is Usually Caused By Food Allergies

IBS is rarely linked to food allergies. Instead, it tends to be the result of food intolerance rather than food allergy.

Myth 3: You Need To Move Your Bowels Daily

Normal bowel movement is considered to be anything between 3 bowel movements a day to 3 bowel movements a week. Hence, not everyone needs to have daily bowel movements.

Myth 4: IBS Only Affects Young Women

Although IBS occurs more commonly in young women, it can also affect men and older individuals.

Myth 5: IBS Means Forever Having To Eat Bland Food

This is not necessarily so. What is important is to find out what foods trigger your IBS and avoid them. Keeping a food diary and discussing an elimination diet plan with your physician will help you identify foods you may be intolerant to.

Myth 6: It's Just Stress

Whilst stress will not cause a person to develop IBS, it can certainly trigger the symptoms of IBS. Effective stress reduction techniques are but one aspect in management of IBS.

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