Introduction 6; Chapter 1: Irritable bowel syndrome explained 8; Symptoms of IBS. The gastro-intestinal system - anatomy and physiology. What happens to the food you eat. How IBS occurs - theories about causes. Chapter 2: Managing irritable bowel syndrome 22; What's normal? Identifying patterns. Keeping a diary. Eating and sleeping patterns. Hormones and IBS - menstruation, pregnancy and the menopause. Role of stress and stress management. Positive thinking techniques. Exercise and activity. Relaxation. Managing everyday life. Chapter 3: The orthodox medical approach 32; When to see the doctor. Tests that may be done. Medicines to treat IBS - anti-diarrhoeal, laxatives, fibre supplements, anti-spasmodic drugs, anti-depressants. Chapter 4: Help from complementary therapies 48; Advice on choosing and using a therapist. Aromatherapy, herbalism - Western and Chinese - acupuncture and acupressure, hypnotherapy, homeopathy, massage, meditation and visualization. Chapter 5: Role of food in IBS 62; How to detect and manage food allergy and intolerance. Eating patterns and nutritional deficiencies. Foods to eat and foods to avoid. Chapter 6: Exclusion recipes 76; Recipes that avoid common allergy and intolerance triggering foods. Chapter 7: Healthy eating 98; Recipes for breakfasts, light meals, main meals and desserts. Index 126; Acknowledgements 128
