Irritable Bowel Syndrome Month

April is Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Awareness Month. Not to get confused with IBD (inflammatory bowel disease) which include Crohn’s and ulcerative colitis. The latter are chronic diseases that can destroy the mucosal lining of the intestines. Irritable bowel syndrome doesn't cause any long-term harm, but it can affect quality of life.

IBS is referred to as a “functional disorder” because the digestive tract doesn’t work as it should, causing abdominal nerves and muscles to become “hyper” sensitive. Signals between the brain and gut work overtime. IBS is common with prevalence estimated at 5% to 10% of the population, although many people go undiagnosed for years. The specific cause of IBS is unknown, although it tends to run in families, so there may be a genetic link. 

Symptoms can include abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea, bloating, passage of mucus, and a feeling of an incomplete bowel movement. No single pattern is routinely found in all patients with IBS. Contractions in the gut are more frequent and stronger than a non-IBS person. Triggers are often related to anxiety, stress, foods, hormones, and caffeine but since everyone has individual symptoms and intolerance levels, it’s important to try and understand what may be triggering your symptoms.

There's no cure for IBS, nor is there a one-size-fits all approach to managing it. Modifying diet and stress, and getting regular exercise can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life.  

Diet interventions include the restriction of FODMAPs, an acronym for specific short-chain carbohydrates that aren’t well digested nor adequately absorbed in our gastrointestinal tract. They can pull water through the gastrointestinal tract and wreak havoc in the large intestine in the form of loose stools or diarrhea. Fermentation can also occur in the colon and result in excess bloating and gas production. Some people with IBS have the opposite effect and get constipated. It’s important to stay well hydrated and to make sure your diet is balanced in plant-based, intact fiber. 

Caffeinated and/or carbonated beverages, as well as alcohol, can also trigger some symptoms in people. Spicy and fatty foods may also cause IBS flare ups.

I usually recommend people keep a daily log of what they are eating for a few weeks. They should also note the times they ate, as well as any symptoms that ensued afterwards. A trained clinician can usually determine a connection just by reviewing the log. 

Everyone has their own unique experience with symptoms and triggers. People with IBS should work with a gastroenterologist and a registered dietitian who specializes in GI health to learn about ways to manage IBS symptoms so that they can lead active and healthy lives.

In Good Health, 

Sophie