An estimated nine million people in the UK and some 35 million Americans suffer from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). It ranks second only to the common cold as a cause of lost work time.The exact cause of IBS is not known but is associated with food intolerance, stress and gastroenteritis. Symptoms include abdominal pain, flatulence, bloating, and changes in bowel habits and are thought to be caused by muscle contractions in the bowel wall.The most successful treatments for Irritable Bowel Syndrome are natural; although there is no cure for the disorder, there are many strategies for significantly alleviating or preventing all IBS symptoms. After an introduction to the disorder, its causes and symptoms and how to tell if you actually have the disorder this book - punctuated throughout with case histories and the very latest research - will focus on five key self help strategies:DietSupplementsAlternative strategiesStress managementPrescription medications