What is IBS and what can you do with it?
Have you been diagnosed with IBS unsure what to do next? Struggling with daily abdominal pain, bloating, gas, constipation or diarrhoea? Feeling like you surviving but not living ?
I put together some commonly asked questions to help you to understand IBS, why it happens and what you can do to support it.
What is IBS?
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a chronic gastrointestinal disorder that affects the large intestine. Is a group of symptoms that often occur together, including abdominal pain, bloating, gas, and changes in bowel habits. IBS can significantly impact a person’s quality of life and daily functioning.
IBS affects an estimated 10–15% of people globally, although many people with IBS symptoms and remain undiagnosed. It can affect individuals of any age but often begins in the late teens to early adulthood. Women are up to twice as likely to develop IBS compared to men.
What are IBS symptoms?
The symptoms of IBS can vary from person to person, but typically include:
Abdominal pain or cramping — often relieved by having a bowel movement
Bloating and gas
Diarrhoea, constipation, or alternating between the two
Mucus in the stool
Urgent need for a bowel movement
Symptoms can last days, weeks or even months, their severity can change, triggered by stress, certain foods, or monthly hormonal changes.
There are 4 types of IBS, based on the predominant symptom:
IBS with constipation (IBS-C)
IBS with diarrhoea (IBS-D)
IBS with mixed bowel habits (IBS-M)
IBS unclassified (IBS-M)
What causes IBS?
The exact cause of IBS is unknown, but several factors are believed to contribute:
dietary – diet low in fibre and high in processed foods
genetic – family history of IBS
psychological - chronic stress and nervous system dysfunction, affecting communication between the brain and the gut; mental health conditions as anxiety, depression, or a history of abuse
gut microbiome changes, triggered by dietary changes or medications.
physiological - abnormal muscle contractions in the intestine caused by chronic stress or diet low in fibre.
pathological - inflammation in the intestines, severe gut infections, such as gastroenteritis.
gender — research shows that IBS is more common in women, especially those with anxiety disorder.
Managing your daily life with IBS
These 6 simple tips will help you to cope with daily symptoms:
Track symptoms and dietary habits – keep food and symptoms diary to identify your personal triggers and effective coping strategies.
Dietary changes – avoiding trigger foods will help you to decrease symptoms severity; temporarily reducing certain gas producing foods (as beans, sweet fruits) may be beneficial. Cook your meals with fresh, natural ingredients and avoid pre-packaged ready meals.
Eat smaller meals – to reduce load on your digestive system and allow to deal with food better.
Stay hydrated to aid your bowel movements and reduce constipation.
Explore potential food sensitivities – to understand your symptoms better. In some cases, IBS symptoms may be triggered by food sensitivities or intolerances.
Manage stress – through techniques like mindfulness, yoga, or cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). Managing stress and calming your nervous system targets your digestive system through gut-brain interaction: calming the brain will calm the gut.
It’s complicated.. Help!
Living with IBS can be hard and embarrassing, there is no medical treatment currently offered. The good news: you can understand the cause of your symptoms, work with these symptoms and live comfortably again. I am here to navigate you on this journey.
I offer dedicated, one-to-one support with IBS and digestive imbalances.
Drop me a message via “Contact” form or book you free, no obligation discovery call to find how I can help your digestion to be happy again.