5 things about IBS
Hold onto your lunch, we’re talking irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
IBS isn’t very pleasant to think about, but millions of people the world over suffer from this common condition.
As researchers constantly learn more about the inner workings of the body, gut health has become a popular topic of conversation. As it should be, when so many people experience IBS symptoms like bloating, constipation, diarrhoea and recurring stomach pains.
Five things to digest about IBS:
- It’s about more than just the gut. Researchers have found that triggers that interact in the nervous system, brain and gut can create IBS flare-ups. What this means is that intense emotions, stress, anxiety and depression can impact chemicals in the brain to react adversely in the gut. You may notice that sometimes when you’re nervous or scared, you immediately develop a stomach-ache or experience diarrhoea.
- The most common lifestyle/food causes of IBS include artificial sugars, caffeine, stress, carbonated drinks, processed foods and dairy.
- For women, IBS can worsen around the time of their menstrual cycle. According to the International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders (IFFGD), “Women with IBS also report other more frequent and bothersome symptoms such as fatigue, backache and insomnia, and may have greater sensitivity to particular foods, such as those that are gas-producing, around the time of menstruation.”
- IBS can also develop after an illness that was caused by bacteria or a virus. This is typically known as gastroenteritis and implies an overgrowth of bacteria in the intestines.
- IBS symptoms are usually hard to predict, and you can sometimes go a long time without flare-ups. It’s also important to know that overuse of antibiotics could make IBS more frequent.
When to see your doctor
IBS has many symptoms, and these are confusing at times - sometimes what seems to be IBS can be an everyday stress or lifestyle factor.
Generally, though, don’t ignore these signs. Your doctor will prescribe medication or suggest other changes like eliminating certain foods:
- Constant stomach upsets, especially after eating
- In some cases, extreme vomiting
- Recurrent episodes of diarrhoea or constipation
- Rectal bleeding
- Unexplained abdominal pain
- Weight loss
- Blood in stool
- Fatigue and dehydration
- Frequent urination in the night
- Recurrent bloating and cramps
Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only. Always check with your doctor or medical practitioner about any health concerns, before embarking on any fitness or nutrition programme, and usage of any medication.