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Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

What is Irritable Bowel Syndrome

What is Irritable Bowel Syndrome or IBS?

Irritable Bowel Syndrome or IBS is very common. In fact, 11% of the population suffers from IBS globally.  Until recently, it was considered a diagnosis of exclusion (meaning you are given the diagnosis after all else has been ruled out) but that is no longer the case.  IBS can be diagnosed through careful and thorough symptom assessment.

Causes of Irritable Bowel Syndrome or IBS?

What are the causes of Irritable Bowel Syndrome or IBS?

There are many factors that contribute to the development of Irritable Bowel Syndrome or IBS, but to date, no clear cause has been identified. What we know is that stress, certain foods, and lifestyle habits can exacerbate the symptoms of IBS. What’s tricky, is that these factors vary from person to person, and so they require patience and detective work to identify triggers.

Symptoms of IBS

What are the symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome or IBS?

The symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome or IBS vary from person to person however there are some common patterns to watch out for.

Pain: One of the defining symptoms of IBS is pain. Pain can be experienced differently from person to person. For some, it can present as cramping, bloating, distension, a feeling of pressure, fullness, just to name a few. In the absence of pain, it’s probably not IBS.

Bowel Changes: IBS usually presents with altered bowel habits. Some experience constipation, others experience diarrhea and still others, will experience a combination of both.

How IBS diagnosed

How is Irritable Bowel Syndrome or IBS diagnosed?

Irritable Bowel Syndrome or IBS used to be a diagnosis of exclusion but now there are clear guidelines that help medical practitioners diagnose IBS.

THE ROME IV CRITERIA for the diagnosis of Irritable Bowel Syndrome or IBS

According to the ROME criteria, the diagnosis of IBS is characterized by recurrent abdominal pain for, on average, at least one day per week in the past three months. The pain is also associated with two or more of the following:

  • Symptoms related to defecation
  • Symptoms associated with a change in stool frequency
  • Symptoms associated with a change in stool form or appearance, based on the Bristol Stool Form Scale

The symptoms of IBS can vary in intensity. There may be periods of time when your symptoms are mild or non – existent and other times when the symptoms you experience are severe in nature.

Manage your Irritable Bowel Syndrome

What can you do to MANAGE your Irritable Bowel Syndrome or IBS

There are many different treatments available that can help with management of IBS.

Lifestyle: Manage your stress. There is a clear correlation between your stress levels and the severity of IBS symptoms. Depression and anxiety can also make IBS symptoms worse. Interventions like gut directed hypnotherapy have been shown to reduce the frequency and intensity of IBS symptoms.

Diet: The only diet that’s been shown to help IBS is the Low FODMAP diet. The Low FODMAP diet is best done under supervision as it is a short-term, treatment-based diet that needs to be done correctly to be effective. This diet is not meant to be a long-term solution to IBS as it omits important prebiotic fibres and nutrients essential for our microbiome and overall good health.

Treatments for IBS

Treatments for Irritable Bowel Syndrome or IBS

There are several treatments available including over the counter medications and prescription medications that, when used under the supervision of a knowledgeable health care practitioner, can be an effective way to manage your symptoms. These treatments need to be personalized and monitored to be effective

For more information and to see how The Tummy Clinic Team can help support you, click here to book a discovery call.

Frequently Asked Questions

Managing IBS with diarrhea can be challenging, but making the right food choices can help. Here’s what works for many people with IBS:

  • Low FODMAP diet: This dietary approach helps reduce symptoms like diarrhea, bloating, and stomach pain. It involves removing certain foods and gradually reintroducing them to see which ones trigger your symptoms.
  • Easy-to-digest foods: Stick with foods like plain rice, cooked carrots, zucchini, and lean proteins (e.g., chicken, fish) to ease digestion.
  • Avoiding triggers: Steer clear of fatty, spicy, or fried foods, as well as dairy and caffeine. These can worsen symptoms for many people with IBS.

If you’re unsure which foods work for you, consulting with a healthcare provider can help you create a personalized meal plan.

Bloating, gas, and stomach pain are common in IBS. These symptoms often result from:

  • Gas buildup: Undigested food or fermentation in the intestines can cause gas and bloating.
  • Gut motility issues: In IBS, food may move too quickly or slowly through the digestive tract, leading to discomfort.
  • Food sensitivities: Certain foods like high FODMAP foods can cause bloating or pain.

Managing these symptoms typically involves diet modifications, stress management, and finding the foods that work best for your body.

IBS constipation can be tough, but there are ways to improve bowel movements:

  • Increase soluble fiber: Foods like oats, bananas, and carrots can help soften stool.
  • Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of water helps keep things moving.
  • Exercise regularly: Physical activity helps stimulate digestion.

If these strategies don’t work, gentle laxatives or stool softeners might be considered, but always under the guidance of a healthcare professional.

Certain foods can make IBS symptoms worse, including:

  • High FODMAP foods: These include foods like onions, garlic, certain fruits (e.g., apples, watermelon), and dairy.
  • Fatty foods: Rich, greasy foods often cause discomfort for those with IBS.
  • Caffeine and alcohol: These can irritate the digestive system and increase symptoms like diarrhea or bloating.

By tracking your food intake and symptoms, you can start to identify which foods are causing flare-ups and work toward a personalized plan.

Constant constipation in IBS can be caused by:

  • Low fiber intake
  • Dehydration: Not drinking enough water can make stool hard and difficult to pass.
  • Stress: Emotional stress often affects digestion and can contribute to constipation.

If constipation persists despite lifestyle changes, consider speaking with a healthcare provider for further assessment and potential treatment options.

Severe bloating can occur when:

  • Gas is trapped in the intestines due to difficulty digesting certain foods or fermentation.
  • Slow motility: In IBS, the digestive system may move food too slowly, leading to bloating.

To manage bloating, consider reducing high FODMAP foods and incorporating more digestive-friendly meals. Stress management techniques like yoga or mindfulness can also help reduce bloating by calming the nervous system.

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