Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common condition that affects the digestive system. It causes symptoms like stomach cramps, bloating, diarrhea, and constipation. These tend to come and go and can last for days, weeks, or months at a time.
IBS is usually a lifelong problem. It can be very frustrating to live with and can have a big impact on your everyday life. It’s also a very common condition. Experts estimate that about 10% to 15% of adults in the United States have IBS. Only about 5% to 7% see a provider and receive a diagnosis.
What Causes IBS?
It is not exactly known what causes IBS, but it is classified as a neurogastrointestinal (GI) disorder. This has to do with problems with how the gut and brain coordinate to help the body’s digestive system work.
For example, there may be problems with how GI muscles contract and move food through the GI tract. The colon (large intestine) muscle tends to contract more in people with IBS. These contractions cause cramps and pain. Weak contractions can slow food passage and lead to hard, dry stools.
Additionally, IBS can develop after a severe bout of diarrhea caused by bacteria or a virus. This is called gastroenteritis. IBS also might be associated with a surplus of bacteria in the intestines, known as bacterial overgrowth.
Changes in gut microbes may also be a cause of IBS. Examples include changes in bacteria, fungi, and viruses, which typically live in the intestines and play a key role in health. Typically, IBS is diagnosed based on its symptoms and is usually confirmed with lab tests or imaging procedures such as a colonoscopy.
What Triggers IBS?
A “trigger” doesn’t cause the condition itself but can cause or worsen a symptom flare-up. Such triggers include:
- Food. The role of food allergy or intolerance in IBS isn’t fully understood. A true food allergy rarely causes IBS. However, many people have worse IBS symptoms when they eat or drink certain foods or beverages. These include wheat, dairy products, citrus fruits, beans, cabbage, milk, and carbonated drinks.
- Stress. Most people with IBS experience worse or more frequent symptoms during periods of increased stress. But while stress may make symptoms worse, it doesn’t cause them.
Many people with IBS also have other chronic pain conditions. Conditions associated with an increased risk of IBS include:
- Fibromyalgia.
- Chronic fatigue syndrome.
- Chronic pelvic pain.
How to Manage IBS
There is no set treatment for IBS due to the different circumstances by which this condition occurs. However, there is a lot that you can do to minimize symptoms. The Cleveland Clinic recommends meal changes and modifying eating/drinking habits which can help to avoid symptom flare-ups. For example:
- Increasing fiber in your diet, including fruits, vegetables, grains, prunes, and nuts, if you’re struggling with constipation.
- Limiting dairy products, like cheese and milk, especially when you are lactose intolerant.
- Limiting foods that can make you gassy like beans, brussels sprouts and cabbage, carbonated sodas and even chewing gum.
- Avoid gluten.
- Drink plenty of water. Drink at least eight 8-ounce glasses of water a day (2 liters). Water keeps your GI tract lubricated and can help treat or prevent constipation.
It will be very beneficial to complement these dietary changes with exercise, plenty of sleep, and relaxation techniques.
Innovative, Holistic Treatment
The Magnolia Medical Center in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, is an integrated, holistic medical clinic specializing in physical rehabilitation and functional medicine. At this center, experienced medical professionals work together to take a more in-depth look at the underlying problems causing IBS. Thus, providing tailored, holistic treatments to address these causes.
Their approach is rooted in current research and offers a drug-free, non-surgical alternative that targets the root causes of digestive disorders. Caring for patients suffering from IBS, the interdisciplinary team at Magnolia Medical Center helps them regain their health as well as a full life with safe, permanent results.
For more information, call (615) 953-9007 to request an appointment!