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Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a digestive system disorder. It causes gut health symptoms that can be unpredictable and, sometimes, embarrassing. Bloating, gas and having a sudden urgency to use the toilet – now! – are common.

If you have IBS symptoms, you’ll understand how challenging this condition can be. Fortunately, there are many effective treatments for IBS. Let’s investigate what they are and which is best for you.

What is Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)?

Irritable Bowel Syndrome is a gastrointestinal disorder that affects the stomach and intestines.

As a syndrome, it’s associated with a cluster of symptoms that usually occur together. This is opposed to a disease, which has a specific pathological process and a known cause. IBS is not linked with digestive pathologies, which is why it fits into the syndrome category.

Although there are a common set of IBS symptoms, each person experiences them differently. The severity, duration and triggers all vary.

While having IBS can impact your quality of life, it is not life-threatening. Nor does it appear to increase your risk of colorectal cancer.

What are the signs and symptoms of IBS?

IBS symptoms predominantly relate to the digestive system and include:

  • abdominal pain
  • intestinal cramping
  • nausea
  • bloating
  • flatulence
  • diarrhoea and/or constipation
  • mucous in the stool
  • sudden urgency for a bowel movement
  • feeling you can’t completely empty your bowels
  • easing of symptoms after moving your bowels.

If untreated in the long term, IBS symptoms can contribute to:

  • fatigue
  • nutrient deficiencies
  • poor sleep
  • low libido
  • hormone imbalances
  • skin changes
  • decreased exercise tolerance.

Causes of IBS

Researchers are still investigating the causes of IBS. While they don’t yet understand why it occurs, studies show that irritable bowel syndrome is associated with:

  • gut hypersensitivity
  • intestinal inflammation
  • imbalanced gut flora
  • abnormal muscle contractions in the intestinal walls.

These may be caused by:

Regardless of what initially causes irritable bowel syndrome, there are 2 main triggers. These seem to exacerbate symptoms for almost all patients:

Food

Consuming certain foods and drinks can make IBS symptoms worse. The main offenders are high FODMAP foods, e.g. wheat, dairy, xylitol, and foods that produce large amounts of gas, e.g. carbonated drinks. It’s accepted that patients don’t have an allergy to these, but a sensitivity.

Stress

Any form of stress can both trigger and increase IBS-related symptoms. Note that stress is not the initial cause of the problem, only the catalyst.

What are the treatments for IBS?

Treatments for IBS help to reduce gut sensitivity and manage symptoms. In many cases, treatment from these practitioners will improve your gut health:

Nutritionist

Visit a Nutritionist if you have IBS and no idea how to change your diet to be low FODMAP. Practitioners can look at your current food habits, and then customise an eating plan to suit your sensitive belly.

Naturopath

Naturopathy uses diet, lifestyle, herbs and supplements to support gut health. Digestive problems are one of the most common reasons for visiting a naturopath. Practitioners can help you manage IBS symptoms and look for the root cause of your condition.

Homeopathy

Homeopathic medicine is used by many to help symptoms of IBS. They may effectively decrease nausea and improve bowel function.

Ayurveda

Ayurvedic medicine uses ancient principles to promote digestive health. For IBS, practitioners will use herbs, diet and detox processes.

Acupuncturist

Digestion-supporting acupuncture points, combined with moxibustion (to enhance the effects), can benefit IBS. This combo helps to reduce bowel cramping and diarrhoea.

Psychologist

Psychotherapy can help IBS patients who feel their stress levels are out of control. It’s also useful if you have gut problems + anxiety, depression or another psychological disorder.

Home remedies & medications for IBS

Home remedies

Using home remedies for IBS can help improve your gut health and quality of life. Begin by:

  • avoiding foods and drinks that trigger symptoms
  • eating plenty of fibre
  • using an IBS-specific probiotic
  • drinking lots of water daily
  • exercising regularly
  • decreasing stress as much as possible.

After you’ve established the basics, experiment with a low FODMAP diet to further decrease symptoms. Foods to avoid/limit include:

  • wheat products, e.g. bread, cereal
  • dairy products, e.g. milk, yoghurt
  • some vegetables, e.g. garlic, onions
  • some fruits, e.g. cherries, avocado
  • beans
  • lentils.

This can seem overwhelming, but they are low FODMAP alternatives for most items.  Nutritionists and Naturopaths can help you with the details of this complex diet.

Medication

IBS medication is usually only suggested to patients after they try home remedies and other treatments. These include:

  • fibre supplements, such a psyllium
  • laxatives
  • antidiarrheals, e.g. Imodium
  • anti-cramping agents
  • antidepressants
  • analgesics.

How is IBS diagnosed?

For a conclusive IBS diagnosis, symptoms need to have occurred for a minimum of 3 days over a period of 3 months. However, getting an IBS diagnosis can take time. This is because IBS is a complex condition that is only considered after other conditions have been ruled out.

The diagnostic process may include the following tests:

  • Blood tests to rule out other conditions, such as celiac disease, thyroid disorders, inflammatory bowel diseases.
  • Stool tests that look for infections, parasites, or signs of malabsorption.
  • Imaging studies, such as ultrasound, to examine the gastrointestinal tract.
  • Colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy to visualise the inside of the colon and rectum.
  • Breath tests to identify certain gastrointestinal conditions associated with IBS symptoms. These can relate to lactose intolerance, FODMAP sensitivity or small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO).

Conclusion

In conclusion, irritable bowel syndrome is a common and complex gastrointestinal disorder. While exact causes remain unclear, managing symptoms and improving quality of life are key goals. Taking a personalised approach to diet, lifestyle and psychological wellbeing are priorities. Doing so can relieve symptoms, boost confidence and increase overall health.

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FAQs

Is irritable bowel syndrome the same as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)?

No, these are 2 different conditions. While symptoms may appear similar, IBD is a functional disorder that involves a chronic immune system response.

Is spastic colon the same as IBS?

Yes, these are the same conditions. IBS is also known as irritable colon, mucous colitis, and spastic colitis.

What are the first signs of having IBS?

A change in bowel habits may be the first IBS sign you notice. This could include an increase in diarrhoea, constipation or alternating bouts of both.