Each year in the United States, there are 200,000 cases of Irritable Bowel Syndrome. It’s estimated that 10-15 percent of the adult population suffers from IBS symptoms, making nearly 35 million people subject to abdominal pain with no apparent cause. The origins of IBS are still unknown, and research has yet to determine why and how a particular person may develop this syndrome. If you are not already familiar with Irritable Bowel Syndrome, it is a gastrointestinal disease commonly associated with chronic symptoms such as abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea, and bloating. Flare-ups of IBS can have disastrous consequences for those affected, such as having to miss work, school, or other important responsibilities because of the pain. In addition, those with IBS usually have to restrict their diet and daily routine, because stress, alcohol, caffeine, and even some leafy vegetables can aggravate an already fickle condition. Since so many people suffer from this illness, and the symptoms can impede daily functioning, it is imperative that research examines the origins of this disease, along with new and improved therapies to help those affected.