What is IBS?
Date:
22 May 2022
What Is The Definition of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)?
Irritable bowel syndrome, or IBS, is a collection of digestive-system issues. It's a frequent but unpleasant gastrointestinal condition. Although there is no specific treatment for IBS, addressing dietary and lifestyle modifications can help you to prevent and ease symptoms.
Symptoms
The most common symptoms are bloating, constipation, diarrhoea and stomach pains/cramps. This is because the colon muscle contracts more than those without the condition. According to research, excess bacteria in the GI tract may contribute to symptoms in patients with IBS.1
Other symptoms of IBS can include:
- Nausea
- Tiredness or lack of energy
- Backache
Types of IBS
IBS is classified according to the sort of bowel movement issues you have. Treatment then depends upon the diagnosis of that particular type. Certain medications are only effective for each type. The types of IBS are:
- IBS-C Most of your stool is hard and lumpy if you have IBS constipation.
- IBS-D The majority of your stool is loose and watery if you have IBS-diarrhoea.
- IBS-M You experience both hard and lumpy bowel movements and loose and watery movements on the same day if you have IBS with mixed bowel
Causes
Researchers are not entirely sure what causes IBS. However, foods travelling through your gut too quickly or too slowly, stress, and a family history of IBS have all been related to the condition.
Experts believe that issues with brain-gut communication can impact how your body functions and cause IBS symptoms.2
IBS and Your Gut
The gut microbiome is a diverse collection of microorganisms in a person's digestive tract, including bacteria, viruses, and protozoa.
According to research, patients with IBS have alterations in their gut flora, which can influence intestinal inflammation and pain.3
IBS is one of the functional gastrointestinal (GI) disorders, which in simple terms means issues with the way your brain and gut interact.
Fighting inflammation, delaying the growth of dangerous bacteria, boosting your immune system, managing bowel movement pace, and minimising gas production are some advantages of taking probiotics for IBS.
Treatments/Remedies For IBS
IBS can be treated with dietary adjustments and other lifestyle changes, as well as medications, probiotics, and mental health therapy.
You might need to try a few different therapies to find the one that works best for you. Your doctor can assist you in determining the correct course of treatment.
As Per IBS type:
IBS-C
- Increase soluble fibre in your diet, foods such as oats, carrots, linseeds
- Ask your pharmacist about medicines such as laxatives
IBS-D
- Cut down on high fibre foods such as brown bread and nuts
- Avoid a sweetener called sorbitol
IBS-M
People with IBS-M may benefit from a variety of medications. Antibiotics, antidepressants, and antispasmodics are among them. Antibiotics may have a beneficial effect on gut microorganisms. Antidepressants can aid with stress-related IBS and can also help with intestinal cramping.
General Tips To Help Relieve Symptoms of IBS:
- Keep a food diary and any symptoms you get to establish things that trigger your IBS
- Try probiotics for at least a month
- Where possible, cook homemade meals with fresh ingredients.
- Exercise regularly
- Avoid fatty, processed foods
- Avoid drinking too much alcohol and fizzy drinks
- Drink plenty of water
- Take time to relax! Try out different techniques that may help you to achieve that
Final Thoughts
Overall, IBS can impact us all in diverse ways, and our symptoms might vary significantly from one person to the next. As a result, it's critical to take the time to figure out the best treatment options for you with the help of your doctor.
Even though IBS be painful and unpleasant, there are numerous approaches you can take to aid with the type of IBS you are suffering from.
