Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): Symptoms and Management

What is IBS?

Irritable Bowel Syndrome is a disorder characterized most commonly by cramps, abdominal pain, bloating, constipation and diarrhoea. It can cause discomfort and distress, but it does not harm the system permanently. IBS can affect the quality of life and day to day normal activity of the person suffering with it. They can find difficulty working at jobs, travel, socialize or attend events.

It is one of the most common disorders seen in women. It is important to know that IBS is not contagious, inherited, or cancerous. Although there is no permanent cure for IBS but working on diet, lifestyle modification and medication can help people to control the symptoms.

Let’s know the symptoms

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IBS is different for every individual, this is because different person can have different triggers for IBS. The symptoms worsen when the person is under stress, such as before major events, social gatherings or during travel. Women who have IBS may face certain symptoms during their menstrual cycle.

The most common symptoms include:

• Bloating and gas
• Mucus in stools
• Constipation
• Diarrhoea, specially after eating 
• Feeling a strong urge to have bowel movement
• Abdominal pain and cramps

These symptoms can temporarily be improved after having a bowel movement. At times when you go to your doctor for the colonoscopy procedure everything might look fine inside but your symptoms might  tell that it's not. 

Cause of IBS

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The exact cause of IBS is yet to be known. But certain factors do contribute to the symptoms an individual experiences. Evidence also supports the connection between IBS and your brain. It has also been suggested that IBS can be caused by certain dietary allergies or food sensitivities.

Food 

Many people experience symptoms like constipation and diarrhoea after consuming certain foods like dairy products, chocolate, alcohol or oily food. Carbonated beverages, certain fruits and vegetables can cause bloating and discomfort in some individuals. It's important to keep a track on what you are taking inside your body and how it is reacting to that specific food.

Stress 

Stressful events or situations can also aggravate the activity of your gut which can result in Irritable Bowel Syndrome. It can trigger any of the IBS’s symptoms like constipation, diarrhoea, gas, cramps etc. Stress may aggravate the symptom but it is not the cause of IBS.

Hormones 

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Changes in hormones can always affect women’s health and daily lifestyle. Hormonal changes can impact a variety of functions in women’s bodies, which are related to your gut health, like digestion, absorption etc. Many women also notice that these symptoms become worse during or around their menstrual periods. 

Nutritional Therapy or Treatment

Although there is no cure for IBS but if the symptoms are getting worse then certain medicines can be prescribed by the doctor to control symptoms like constipation, diarrhoea, stress or anxiety. However, the best way to handle IBS is to hit the root cause which are responsible for the symptoms. Gytree offers expert curated programs to treat the root cause.

Check out:

• Gut resetting diet plan
• Ongoing women’s wellness program
• Gluten-free free diet plan

Making the right dietary choices and lifestyle modifications, managing your stress and anxiety and seeking the right guidance can help in the management.