It is estimated that over 40 million adult Americans have the gastrointestinal disorder IBS

Irritable bowel syndrome is a disorder marked by abdominal pain and bowel irregularities. The discomfort of IBS can impact work, school, and family life. The direct and indirect costs of this condition are estimated to be the range of $20 billion a year. IBS is expensive mostly because of missed or less-productive work and the cost of medical testing and emergency treatment. Experts suggest that many people are suffering needlessly with symptoms that actually have good treatment options.