If you have crampy or sharp pains and irregular bowel movements, you may have irritable bowel syndrome, or IBS. It usually boils down to three main symptoms: bloating, diarrhea and constipation.
Bloating is caused by dietary intolerance or a blockage in your GI tract that makes gas build in your intestine, and constipation can result from dehydration, a lack of exercise or medications.
Anywhere from five bowel movements per day to just one per week is usually OK. For regularity’s sake, aim for 25-50 grams of fiber per day. It keeps your waistline in check, too!
