Dr Geni Abraham | Irritable Bowel Syndrome Types | Irritable Bowel Syndrome Causes | Irritable Bowel Syndrome Prevention

Irritable Bowel Syndrome

A chronic gastrointestinal disorder that affects the large intestine causing diarrhea, or constipation, abdominal pain, cramps, bloating and gas. Since it can be similar in symptoms to Inflammatory Bowel Disease which is an autoimmune disorder it is important to speak with your doctor and they make sure it is IBS and not Crohn’s disease or Ulcerative colitis.

Causes

It is unclear what precisely brings this group of symptoms about. Stress, severe Gastroenteritis, certain food intolerances all contribute to IBS. Individuals with mood disorders also seem to have an increased likelihood of IBS so there is a Gut-Brain Connection

Women are more likely to suffer from IBS and there seems to be a relationship with hormonal changes.

Prevention

Since IBS is close Gut-Brain connection, supporting stress management, avoiding antibiotic overuse, using probiotics can all have a beneficial effect.

Treatment

Nutrition : Always important to have a detox focused, whole foods plant-based diet. Foods rich in prebiotics and probiotics are helpful. Adding fiber to your diet is important. If you note that certain foods make your symptoms worse, then those should be avoided. Some examples of common foods that may promote IBS include wheat, dairy, beans, and nightshades (tomatoes, potatoes, eggplant etc.) If you notice that these foods worsen symptoms, it is important that we eliminate them from the diet at least initially. Sometimes FODMAP diet is warranted to get control of the symptoms.

Exercise : Exercise is an important part of overall stress and mood management. Therefore, getting adequate exercise will be beneficial for managing IBS as well.

Stress : Since stress is a big aggravator of IBS, stop being aggravated. Learn to respond to situations calmly because remember it is not the situation but your response and how it lingers in your mind that creates the stress. Learning to manage them better is very helpful to the overall management of IBS.

Sleep : Good sleep routine is important because lack of sleep promotes inappropriate response to stressful situations, more irritable and anxious which worsens IBS.

Medications : Treatment is limited and mostly symptomatic by controlling cramps, controlling diarrhea or constipation. The best treatment is lifestyle management as outlined above.