IBS stands for Irritable bowel syndrome, an illness that attacks the large bowel, that is, a colon. Though it is not considered hazardous or life-threatening, it can be uncomfortable. IBS is common, affecting around three out of every ten people. Females are more prone to be affected than men. This article explains the indications, causes, and treatment for IBS. Make sure you consult your physician before you implement any of this information.

Indications of IBS

IBS symptoms vary; however they are frequently present for a long time. The most frequent are:

Bowel movement leading to pain, cramping, or bloating in the abdomen

Changes in bowel movement appearance

Variations in urination frequency

Bloating, excessive gas, and mucus in the feces are frequently associated symptoms

Causes of irritable bowel syndrome

The actual causes of Irritable bowel syndrome are unknown. However, it is known that the illness disrupts the usual motion of the muscles in the intestine’s outer wall.

Normally, the intestinal wall muscles relax and contract (tighten) automatically to move meals and waste through the intestinal tract so that the body can absorb nutrients and water.

In Irritable bowel syndrome, the muscles might relax and contract more quickly than usual, allowing less water to be absorbed, resulting in loose and watery stools or diarrhea. Alternatively, the muscles could contract and relax more slowly than normal, allowing too much water to be absorbed, resulting in hard stools, i.e., constipation.

Muscles can also contract quickly and violently, producing painful stomach aches and gas trapped in the colon, causing bloating. It is not known what causes the gut muscles to malfunction in Irritable bowel syndrome. One theory is that communication impulses between the brain and the intestine are disturbed, resulting in aberrant intestinal muscle function.

Possible reasons for IBS

Several individuals with IBS have a reduced pain tolerance for bloating and aching in their intestines.

Bacterial gastroenteritis can cause IBS in some people.

Stressful circumstances, like experiencing strong and overwhelming emotions, can also trigger IBS symptoms. Physical symptoms might manifest as a result of psychological stress. This syndrome can also be intensified by stress.

Some people with IBS have abnormal amounts of neurotransmitters (chemicals that convey nerve signals) and digestive tract hormones. It appears that reproductive hormones aggravate symptoms.

IBS has been linked to an abundance of bacteria in the intestines. These are the ”friendly” bacteria that live in the gut and are essential for digesting and overall health. People with IBS appear to have a different microbiome than healthy people.

Many IBS patients claim that certain foods and beverages trigger their symptoms.

Irritable bowel syndrome treatment

Although no single therapy is effective for everyone, most people with IBS can discover a solution that works for them. The healthcare professional will suggest the specific Irritable bowel syndrome treatment as per the requirements.

Irritable bowel syndrome treatment may include:

Making changes in eating habits

Here are the 5 foods that a person with IBS should avoid:

Dairy

Many dairy products are packed with fat, which can cause diarrhea. Switching to low-fat or fat-free dairy might help to alleviate your symptoms. If you suspect dairy or milk products are creating stomach discomfort, try swapping to dairy alternatives such as plant milks and soy-based cheese.

Legumes, or beans

Beans, lentils, and peas are high in protein and fiber but might cause IBS symptoms. They include oligosaccharides, which are unable to be digested by digestive enzymes. While beans can aid constipation by increasing stool bulk, they may also increase gas, bloating, and cramps. To test whether it helps your IBS problems, try avoiding beans. Alternatively, soaking beans or lentils overnight and then washing them before cooking could assist the body in absorbing them more easily.

Certain vegetables

Broccoli and cauliflower are tough for the body to digest, which is why they may cause IBS symptoms. When your intestine breaks down these foods, it produces gas and, at times, constipation, even in those who do not have IBS. Cooking vegetables makes them simpler to digest, so if eating them raw irritates your stomach, consider roasting or sautéing broccoli and cauliflower.

Caffeine

For intestinal regularity, several people swear on their morning coffee. Like all caffeinated beverages, coffee has a stimulating impact on the intestines, producing diarrhea. Caffeine-containing beverages such as coffee, soda, and energy drinks can trigger IBS. Consider eating a snack or going for a quick stroll if you require a boost of energy or pick-me-up.

Alternative therapies

In certain circumstances, symptoms do not respond to medical treatment. In such a case, the specialist may recommend mental health therapies. Some sufferers get alleviation by:

Cognitive-behavioral treatment (CBT)

Hypnotherapy

Biofeedback

Poor lifestyle choices do not cause IBS. However, limiting excesses may assist in decreasing or preventing symptom flare-ups. Lack of sleep, exercise, prolonged stress, and irregular eating habits might exacerbate symptoms.