Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): Symptoms & Importance of Diet
Irritable Bowel Syndrome is a common disorder of the digestive system that causes abdominal pain, bloating, constipation and more. How can we manage IBS and make lifestyle changes to reduce it?
4 minute readYou may know someone who has Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) or suffer from it yourself. It is a common disorder of the digestive system that causes discomfort for millions of people worldwide and the number of cases worldwide is rising. Symptoms include abdominal pain, gas, bloating and diarrhoea, and constipation.
While it’s not a life-threatening condition, IBS is uncomfortable, and can significantly impact someone’s quality of life. But what exactly is causing a rise in the cases of IBS? Additionally, although the exact cause of IBS is unknown, how important is diet? Or are there other factors more important?
Let’s dive into the world of Irritable Bowel Syndrome and uncover its mysteries.
Is IBS increasing due to lifestyle & diet?
Recent research suggests that lifestyle and diet may play a significant role for those suffering from Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Our busy and stressful lives may lead us to eat a poor diet of processed foods that are also low in fibre.
This combination of stress and a poor diet is perfect for the development of IBS. Processed food lacks the essential ingredients that the body needs to function. Instead, they contain additives and artificial colours which can change the body’s gut microbiome for the worse and trigger IBS.
On top of this, the stress and anxiety of daily life have been shown to make IBS symptoms worse, and cause “flare-ups”. The brain plays more of a role in our digestive symptoms than you think. There is something called the “gut-brain axis” which connects the two. This is why, when you are stressed, your gut can become more sensitive to what you eat. Therefore, it can trigger IBS symptoms.
Are you born with IBS or do you develop it?
No one is born with IBS; it is a condition that some people develop over time. Studies show there can be factors during early childhood which can lead to IBS development. There are believed to be a combination of factors which contribute to this including environmental, genetic and even psychological.
IBS can run in some families, meaning if your parents have IBS, you may be more likely also to develop IBS if you have certain environmental and lifestyle triggers.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome can also be triggered by gastrointestinal infections, such as gastroenteritis (also known as stomach flu). Overuse of antibiotics can also lead to the development of IBS as they can deplete the healthy bacteria in your gut. This is one of the reasons why doctors do not like to prescribe antibiotics so freely.
Is IBS all about diet?
Diet does play a very important role in the development and management of IBS, but it is not the one single factor. Certain foods can trigger IBS symptoms, so identifying these triggers and avoiding these foods can help to manage IBS. The most common foods which can trigger IBS are:
Dairy products: Lactose intolerance is common among IBS sufferers.
Gluten: Some people with IBS are sensitive to gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye.
High-FODMAP foods: Foods high in fermentable oligo-, di-, mono-saccharides, and polyols (FODMAPs) can cause bloating and gas.
The low-FODMAP diet is highly recommended for IBS sufferers. It helps to identify and remove high-FODMAP foods from your diet, then reintroduce them one by one to help you work out if any of them are triggering your symptoms. It is an effective way to manage and reduce IBS symptoms in many sufferers.
Can IBS be reversed?
Unfortunately, there is no cure for IBS or a way to completely reverse it. However, it can be managed effectively by controlling its triggers, but it is important to remember that everyone is different.
For many people, changing their diets and what they eat helps to manage symptoms, in combination with stress management and other medications. Some people also find taking probiotics helps, as these help to replace the “healthy” bacteria in your gut which may have been lost.
Lifestyle changes also help. These include getting enough exercise regularly, learning and applying methods to help reduce your stress levels such as meditation or yoga, and getting enough sleep. Reducing your general level of stress will also help your gut health.
It’s a good idea to seek help from a healthcare professional to help you build your personalised health plan, to get you started and keep you motivated to continue. Joining a class or a group will also help you keep a routine going to help you with long-term relief from IBS.
How many people in the UK suffer from IBS?
Due to all of the factors discussed, IBS is fairly common in the UK. According to the NHS, roughly 13 million people in the UK suffer from IBS, which is about 10-20% of the entire population.
The average age someone is diagnosed with IBS is between 20 and 30, and women are more likely than men to suffer from IBS. As the number of IBS sufferers in the UK is so high, it highlights a need to increase awareness of this condition and to share information on how to manage its symptoms.
What should you do if you think you have IBS?
If you are reading this article and think you may have IBS, it’s important to make an appointment to speak to a doctor or healthcare professional to make an accurate diagnosis. They will likely take your medical history and do a physical exam on your body. They will then run some diagnostic tests using blood and stool samples to test for a range of other conditions.
It’s a good idea to keep a “food diary” and write down everything you eat and when you have flare-ups to help identify any potential triggers. In some cases, your doctor may prescribe you some medications to help manage your symptoms. Making lifestyle changes makes a big difference. Managing your stress levels, getting regular exercise and getting enough sleep can also help you to improve your symptoms. If you think you may have IBS then try these things out to see if they work for you.
How to cure IBS permanently
Having IBS doesn’t mean you have to put your life on hold. IBS is a chronic condition without a cure, but through IBS management, sufferers can manage their symptoms and live full, active lives. Lifestyle adjustments, changes in diet, exercise and medical treatment can help to keep IBS symptoms under control.
For the emotional burden, joining support groups and connecting with others who also suffer from IBS helps to feel less alone, and it's easier to find coping strategies. Counselling can also help provide support if needed.
Living a full life with IBS
IBS is a common condition influenced by many factors including diet, lifestyle, genetics, and psychological factors. It can be difficult to manage IBS symptoms, work out triggers and find coping mechanisms, but it isn’t impossible. Finding a balance in a way that works for you will help to relieve symptoms and let you live how you want to live.
If you think you may have IBS, speak to your doctor or healthcare professional to get an IBS diagnosis and start to take proactive steps towards managing your symptoms. Remember that you are not alone, there are millions of people with IBS on a similar journey to you.
