Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis Triggers & Treatment
You’d be surprised how many people I see who have digestive problems, among them Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Irritable Bowel is a common disorder that affects the large intestine. Signs and symptoms include cramping, abdominal pain, bloating, gas, and diarrhea or constipation, or both.
The symptoms of IBS typically include:
- Cramping
- Abdominal pain
- Bloating and gas
- Constipation
- Diarrhoea
- Bloating and distention
- Discomfort or pain after certain foods
- Irregular bowels or constipation / diarrhoea / alternating
- Indigestion / reflux
- Nausea or vomiting
- Burping or flatulence
What causes Irritable bowel syndrome?
- Food sensitivities & food intolerances
- Helicobactor Pylori
- Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO)
- Fungal or yeast overgrowth – Candida
- Parasites & worms – Blastocystis, Cryptosporidium
- Leaky gut syndrome / intestinal permeability
- Irritable Bowel Disease (IBD) – Ulcerative colitis & Crohns Disease
- Adrenal fatigue & stress
- Symptoms can increase around the time of menstruation.
- Stress can increase irritable bowel symptoms.
For some people, dietary changes can go a long way in helping ease symptoms. Because the symptoms of IBS vary among people with the condition, approaches to dietary changes need to vary.
Tips to help Irritable Bowel Syndrome
- Cutting back on coffee
- Food sensitivity testing to eliminate triggering foods
- Eating smaller meals
- Minimizing stress
- Ensuring healthy gut bacteria (probiotics may help)
- Avoiding deep-fried or spicy foods
- Cutting back on caffeinated beverages that stimulate the intestines
- Eating smaller meals
- Taking probiotics
- Avoid deep-fried or spicy foods
There can be many causes of Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Seeing a practitioner can help you identify what could help you identify your triggers.
