IBS – irritable bowel syndrome – is a broadly defined disorder where the gut does not function normally when it processes food. It is the most common GI issue in the world, impacting between 10% and 25% of adults. It is more common in women and adults under 45; however, it is prevalent in all populations and age groups.
The most common symptoms of IBS are recurring gas, stomach pain, and bloating. Patients also report that the gut processes food too quickly or too slowly. Since digestive discomfort also occurs in those with no diagnosed gastrointestinal illness, it can be difficult to determine when the disorder began in a particular individual. The intensity, type, and frequency of symptoms also vary widely.
IBS can be related to food allergies, anti-inflammatory drugs, bacterial imbalances, prior intestinal infections, neurotransmitter levels, mineral deficiencies, stress, and genetics. In most cases, there are multiple contributing factors.
Regardless of the cause, the most effective treatment is modifying the diet. The FODMAP diet is the most prescribed treatment for IBS and reduces symptoms in over 75% of patients. It accomplishes this by reducing certain sugars in the diet that are known to trigger intestinal distress in sensitive individuals. Other recommended dietary modifications including eating at regular times, eating more slowly, consuming soluble fiber, reducing caffeine and alcohol, and avoiding common food allergens like wheat and dairy.
Since IBS is related to the malfunctioning tension of the gut muscles, it is especially important for patients to reduce stress and tension in their lives. Mindfulness, exercise, proper sleep, talking with a friend, and just having more fun can all play a role in reducing stress. If low levels of serotonin are contributing to your IBS, medications and herbs can also help restore balance to the gut and simultaneously improve your mood.
If the cause of IBS is a bacterial imbalance, treatment typically includes probiotics or even a short course of the antibiotic rifaximin.
While the condition is chronic, IBS can be successfully controlled through relatively easy lifestyle modifications, including adherence to a low FODMAP diet.
