IBS can be familial

People with IBS were three times as likely as people without the condition to have a relative who also had the disorder, Mayo Clinic researchers reported in The American Journal of Gastroenterology. IBS may affect up to 30 percent of the general population. Symptoms can include abdominal pain, diarrhea, bloating and constipation.

Saito said she hopes the findings will kick-start a hunt for genes that might be involved in IBS; right now, she noted, none have been discovered. Environmental factors shared within families could also be a factor too, the researcher pointed out; for example, people who have been abused are at increased risk.

While the findings have no treatment implications for people struggling with IBS right now, the researcher added, it may be "reassuring" for them to know that their symptoms have some biological cause."I think a lot of people ask themselves, 'why me,' and a lot of times we don't have a good answer to that," she said. "We don't know exactly what it is yet, but we're working on it."

Bonnie - the 900 pound gorilla in the room? Diet and nutrients once again. Of course, not mentioned anywhere. The field of gastroenterology is beyond astonishing for continually dismissing diet. If you have IBS, you had better let your family know so that they can take the proper dietary precautions.