Up to one in five individuals are troubled by typical Irritable Bowel Syndrome symptoms. In some cases, the complaints are minor, but in others, IBS unfortunately rules their lives. Written as a guide to liberating those suffering with stomach and bowel problems,Conquering Irritable Bowel Syndromeis directed to the general public and primary care physicians. The text succinctly discusses common gastrointestinal disorders of function, and in particular, IBS and related disorders. The book presents a holistic view of these disorders with the overall theme of empowerment – enabling patients to feel empowered to heal through understanding the science and the evidence. In lay terms,Conquering Irritable Bowel Syndromewill explain the "what" (symptoms, definitions, and epidemiology), the "why"(pathophysiology) and the "how do I take control" (examination of the evidence, understand the available literature, the accessing of the merits of management strategies, diet, exercise, therapy, both natural and pharmaceutical). High-quality, easy-to-understand illustrations and photographs clarify the presented concepts.