🔅 IBS

– Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common disorder that affects the stomach and intestines, also called the gastrointestinal tract. Symptoms include cramping, abdominal pain, bloating, gas, and diarrhea or constipation, or both. IBS is a chronic condition that you'll need to manage long term.

– The exact cause of IBS is not known, but several factors may play a role, such as:

1). Muscle contractions in the intestine: The walls of the intestines are lined with layers of muscle that contract as they move food through your digestive tract. Contractions that are stronger and last longer than usual can cause gas, bloating and diarrhea. Weak contractions can slow food passage and lead to hard, dry stools.

2). Nervous system: Issues with the nerves in your digestive system may cause discomfort when your abdomen stretches from gas or stool. Poorly coordinated signals between the brain and the intestines can cause your body to overreact to changes that typically occur in the digestive process. This can result in pain, diarrhea or constipation.

3). Severe infection: IBS can develop after a severe bout of diarrhea caused by bacteria or a virus. This is called gastroenteritis. IBS might also be associated with a surplus of bacteria in the intestines (bacterial overgrowth).

4). Early life stress: People exposed to stressful events, especially in childhood, tend to have more symptoms of IBS.

5). Changes in gut microbes: Examples include changes in bacteria, fungi and viruses, which typically reside in the intestines and play a key role in health.

– To diagnose IBS, your health care provider will ask you about your medical history, symptoms, and lifestyle. They will also perform a physical exam and some tests to rule out other conditions that may cause similar symptoms, such as celiac disease, inflammatory bowel disease, or colon cancer. Some of the tests may include blood tests, stool tests, breath tests, or imaging tests, such as colonoscopy or CT scan.

– There is no cure for IBS, but there are treatments that can help to improve your symptoms and quality of life. These include:

1). Dietary Changes: You may find that certain foods trigger or worsen your symptoms, such as dairy products, gluten, caffeine, alcohol, or foods high in fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols (FODMAPs). You may benefit from keeping a food diary and avoiding or limiting these foods. You may also benefit from increasing your intake of soluble fiber, which can help to regulate your bowel movements and reduce gas and bloating. Examples of soluble fiber include oats, barley, psyllium, apples, pears, and carrots. However, you should increase your fiber intake gradually and drink plenty of water to avoid constipation.

2). Medications: Depending on your symptoms, your health care provider may prescribe or recommend some medications to help you manage your condition. These may include antispasmodics, which can reduce muscle spasms and cramps; antidiarrheals, which can slow down your bowel movements and reduce urgency; laxatives, which can soften your stools and make them easier to pass; antidepressants, which can improve your mood and reduce pain; or probiotics, which can restore the balance of gut microbes and improve digestion.

3). Psychological Therapies: Some people with IBS may benefit from psychological therapies, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, hypnotherapy, or mindfulness-based therapy. These therapies can help you cope with stress, anxiety, and depression, which can trigger or worsen your symptoms. They can also help you change your thoughts and behaviors that may affect your condition.

– In addition to these treatments, you may also find some lifestyle changes helpful, such as:

• Exercise regularly: Physical activity can help to reduce stress, improve your mood, and stimulate your bowel movements. You should aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise, such as walking, swimming, or cycling, most days of the week. However, you should avoid exercising right after eating or when you have symptoms.

• Drink enough fluids: Staying hydrated can help to prevent dehydration, which can cause constipation and worsen your symptoms. You should drink at least eight glasses of water per day, and more if you are exercising or have diarrhea.

Note: You should also avoid drinks that can dehydrate you or irritate your stomach, such as alcohol, caffeine, or carbonated beverages.

• Manage stress: Stress can trigger or worsen your symptoms, so you should try to reduce or cope with the sources of stress in your life. You can use relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing, meditation, yoga, or massage, to calm your mind and body. You can also seek support from your family, friends, or a counselor, to share your feelings and concerns.

– IBS is a common and chronic condition that can affect your digestive system and your quality of life.

▶️ COMMON TRIGGERS FOR IBS

Some common triggers for IBS are:

1). Food: The role of food allergy or intolerance in IBS is not fully understood, but 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.

2). Stress: Stress can trigger or worsen IBS symptoms, as it can affect the nervous system and the gut microbes. People who have experienced stressful events, especially in childhood, tend to have more symptoms of IBS.

3). Hormones: Women are more likely to have IBS than men, and their symptoms may vary according to their menstrual cycle. Hormonal changes may affect the activity of the intestines and the sensitivity of the nerves.

4). Medications: Some drugs can cause or aggravate IBS symptoms, such as antibiotics, antidiarrheals, laxatives, antidepressants, and anticonvulsants. These drugs may alter the gut microbes or the motility of the intestines.

– These are some of the common triggers for IBS, but they may vary from person to person. It may help to keep a diary of your symptoms and the factors that may affect them, such as food, stress, hormones, or medications. This way, you can identify your personal triggers and avoid them as much as possible.