IBS: Understanding Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Irritable bowel syndrome, often abbreviated as IBS, is a chronic disorder that impacts the gastrointestinal system and is hence described by various symptoms; in any case, the intensity may vary from one person to another. Large intestines are particularly targeted by IBS. Since it impacts the functions of the gastrointestinal system but does not cause any apparent damage to the intestines, this condition is considered a functional gastrointestinal disorder. One of the most major issues concerning people with IBS is discomfort, irregular bowel movements, and intolerance towards food intake, thus emphasizing the importance of treatment for improving the quality of life.
Common IBS Symptoms
The symptoms of IBS are varied, but usually, the person will experience periodic flare-ups interspersed with symptom-free periods. The most common symptoms of IBS are :
- Abdominal pain and cramping: These tend to be eased by a bowel movement.
- Gas and bloating: An uncomfortable feeling of fullness or swelling in the abdomen.
- Diarrhea or constipation: Some people with IBS mainly experience diarrhea (IBS-D), others have only constipation (IBS-C), and some experience alternating episodes of both (IBS-M).
- Presence of mucus in stool: This suggests intestinal irritation.
IBS is further divided into different types based on the most prominent symptom. In all cases, the treatment of symptoms described above is crucial in irritable bowel syndrome treatment and helps better function day-to-day.
Also Read: Gas in Stomach Explained - Causes, Symptoms & Remedies
IBS Causes: What Triggers IBS?
The cause of IBS is not found, but several factors are known to trigger the symptoms. Some common IBS causes include the following:
- Problem in the link between gut and brain: The link between gut and brain often gets disturbed in IBS. As a result, the altered brain-gut interaction results in an increased sensitivity to pain and abnormal bowel movements.
- Gastrointestinal infections: Some people suffer from IBS following a severe infection of the gastroenteritis, an illness called post-infectious IBS.
- Stress: Psychological stress and anxiety lead to some symptom manifestations of IBS, thus the strong association between mental states and GI functions.
- Food intolerances: Most people afflicted with IBS are sensitive to specific foodstuffs, and the symptoms will manifest themselves upon consumption of such foodstuffs.
Identifying such triggers and acquiring knowledge of why they induce irritable bowel syndrome is also an integral part of the treatment process. Many find optimal results through the combination of medical therapy, diet changes, and stress reduction measures.
Role of Diet in the Management of IBS
Perhaps the most effective treatment for irritable bowel syndrome is diet. Whatever you eat can either make things worse or better and figuring out the right diet is the primary step for managing IBS.
Foods to Avoid with IBS
Some cause symptoms of IBS, especially those with high levels of FODMAPs, which include fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols. These are short-chain carbohydrates that will always be difficult to digest for a person with IBS. This is a list of foods to avoid if you suffer from IBS:
- Milk products: The common manifestations in patients with IBS include lactose intolerance. Milk, cheese, and ice cream cause bloating, gas, and diarrhea.
- Grains containing gluten: Wheat, barley, and rye make patients with IBS worse, especially in sensitivities to gluten.
- Fatty and fried foods: Foods containing fats are harder to digest and decelerate the activity of digestion, that may lead to bloating and discomfort.
- Beverages that contain caffeine: These include coffee, tea, and energy drinks. Such stimulants work on the intestines to worsen diarrhea in people with IBS.
- Carbonated beverages: Soda and sparkling water introduce extra gas into the digestive system, thus causing bloating and discomfort.
If trigger foods can be identified and removed from the diet, most people will reduce their IBS symptoms. As a matter of fact, a healthcare provider should always be consulted to balance the diet.
Recommended Diets for Management of IBS
There are numerous diets that have been proven to help patients alleviate their IBS symptoms. The most studied and applied diet therapy for the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome is the low-FODMAP diet. In this diet, foods containing higher levels of FODMAP are removed from the diet, and they are gradually reintroduced to determine which triggers specific symptoms.
Low-FODMAP Diet
A low-FODMAP diet is thus the restriction of specific carbohydrates known to cause discomfort within the gastrointestinal system in many patients with IBS. There are three phases in the diet.
- Elimination Phase: Foods that have high FODMAP values are removed from the diet, for example, onions, garlic, apples, and beans.
- Challenge Phase: Each diet step is introduced gradually while testing tolerance through gradual reintroduction of each food.
- Personalization: Lifestyle does not necessarily impose restrictions based on individual levels of tolerance, so people can enjoy an expanded range of food without exacerbating their symptoms.
Research has shown that patients experience a reduction of up to 75% in IBS symptoms with the Low-FODMAP diet, and some patients do not even have remission of their symptoms, thereby making it an effective intervention for irritable bowel syndrome.
Other IBS-Friendly Diet Strategies
In addition to the Low-FODMAP diet, there are other dietary recommendations that could help regulate the symptoms of IBS:
- Eat in Smaller, More Frequent Meals: While eating in large amounts at once could overstimulate the gut, causing bloating and discomfort, it is much easier for the system to digest small, frequent meals.
- Drink Ample Fluids: Maintenance of the body's hydration by drinking plenty of water would maintain a proper bowel movement and avoid cases of constipation.
- Include Soluble Fiber: Oats, flaxseeds, and carrots are a few which consist of high percentages of soluble fiber and will help promote bowel movements without causing irritation.
Medical Treatment of IBS
Even though diet plays a crucial role in managing IBS, some patients may require some medical interventions. These are complementary parts of the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome and include:
- Antispasmodic drugs: These mediate the relaxation of the muscles within the gut, hence reducing cramping and pain.
- Laxatives or anti-diarrheal medicines: This depends on the type of IBS: constipation or diarrhea.
- Probiotics: These good bacteria may have positive effects on the gut, as well as alleviate IBS symptomatology, though more research is needed to confirm the efficacy of probiotics.
- Psychological therapies: Stress and anxiety can trigger IBS symptoms; therefore, treatments such as CBT and mindfulness training may help by modulating the brain-gut interface, thus alleviating symptoms.
Conclusion
IBS management involves all treatment strategies for irritable bowel syndrome. However, diet is an important component of treatment. People avoiding their trigger foods, on a low FODMAP diet, and who are mindful of their food choices can often significantly reduce symptoms. Of course, one must combine medical treatments with managing stress so that he or she can live without the discomfort caused by IBS.
Understanding the causes of IBS and which foods to avoid with IBS can then reclaim control over one's digestive health and implement effective strategies for long-term relief. For a more personalized advice on how to deal with IBS by means of diet plans and stress management, check out Sova.Health. Improve your digestive health and well-being today with expert guidance.
