Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a relatively common condition of the digestive system. It can cause fits of stomach cramps, bloating, diarrhoea and/or constipation.
The symptoms usually come in bouts during stressful times or after eating certain foods. Symptoms vary between individuals and affect some people more severely than others. However, most people have either diarrhoea, constipation, or bursts of both. You may also have mucous in your stools.
The Facts
- The most common of digestive disorders
- It is believed to affect 15 – 20% of the general population
- 70% of sufferers are women
- At present there is no conventional medical therapy
Symptoms
- Abdominal pain such as cramping or spasms
- Change in bowel habits
- Excess mucous secretion in the stools
- Increase in frequency of stools
- Constipation
- Indigestion and heartburn
- Nausea
- Diarrhoea
- Bloating
- Flatulence
- Temporary pain relief after passing stool
Causes of IBS
The cause of IBS is unknown, but research to date indicates that several interacting factors might contribute to the development of IBS.
- Imbalanced gut flora
- Microbial imbalance – yeast, parasitic or bacterial infection
- Disturbed GI (gastro intestinal) motility
- Imbalanced neurotransmitters
- Bowel inflammation which can lead to ‘leaky gut’
- Food intolerance/sensitivity
- Psychological factors such as stress and anxiety
- Dietary factors including excess dietary fats, dairy products, coffee and alcohol
- Candidiasis – complicates IBS and increases food sensitivities
- Low fibre diet
- Antibiotic and laxative abuse
Tips for improving gut health
Promote a healthy gut flora balance by:
- reducing and if possible, stopping antibiotic use;
- increasing consumption of healthy bacteria from live yoghurt and fermented foods (such as sauerkraut, tempeh, miso, soy sauce and pickled vegetables)
- increasing intake of prebiotics (food for healthy bacteria) such as soybeans, Jerusalem artichoke, chicory root, raw oats, wholewheat and unrefined barley.
Reduce stress levels through relaxation techniques and gentle exercise
Reduce your intake of fatty foods and caffeine – dietary fat is a strong stimulus of colonic contractions and caffeine can cause loose stools, especially in those who suffer from IBS. Alcohol can also have a stimulatory effect on the bowels
Identify food intolerances through an elimination diet or food intolerance testing.
Identify whether a yeast overgrowth or parasites are involved through stool testing.
Increase fibre in the diet, as bowel regularity is highly dependent on this, and a lack of fibre can exacerbate the symptoms of IBS.
f you would like more advice on any of the points mentioned in this article or would like to find out how nutrition can support health issues please contact me on 07967 639347 or emai lemily@4wellpeople.co.uk. Find out how nutritional therapy could benefit you.
