Symptoms of IBS

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a gastrointestinal issue that affects approximately 10 to 15 percent of the world’s population. From abdominal pain to changes in bowel movements, IBS can cause a host of unpleasant symptoms. Let’s examine the most common symptoms of IBS.

Symptoms of IBS

Abdominal Cramping and Pain

One key symptom of IBS is abdominal pain. Typically, the brain and gut work together to control digestion. Good bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract release hormones and activate nerves that control digestion. Any imbalance of good and bad microbes in the gut compromises the production of essential hormones, which causes the muscles in the digestive tract to become uncoordinated, resulting in pain and discomfort.

Simple dietary modifications can minimize the risk of developing pain and reduce the severity of discomfort. Doctors recommend people with IBS follow a low FODMAP diet. FODMAPs are fermentable carbohydrates derived from foods like beans and wheat and can be hard to digest. High FODMAP foods can cause bloating, abdominal pain, gas, constipation, and diarrhea.

Diarrhea and Constipation

Gut motility is the stretching of muscles in the GI tract. It enables food, nutrients, and waste to travel through the digestive tract. Any change in muscle contractions affects gut motility. Slow gut motility can result in constipation, while fast gut motility can lead to diarrhea. Both issues can cause abdominal pain.

Diarrhea affects approximately one-third of all patients with irritable bowel syndrome. Most IBS sufferers experience approximately 12 bowel movements a week, which is almost twice as common as normal individuals. IBS can lead to a sudden urge to have a bowel movement, and oftentimes, people with IBS avoid social situations.

Conversely, constipation affects approximately half of all individuals diagnosed with IBS. When digestion slows down, the body pulls more moisture from the digestive tract, causing dry, hard-to-pass stools. Daily bowel movements are optimal for overall health and wellness, whereas, with constipation, one gets less than three weekly bowel movements.

Gas and Bloating

Irritable bowel syndrome causes changes in digestion. Sometimes, foods pass too quickly through the digestive tract, and others go slowly. These changes can result in excessive gas in the GI tract, causing uncomfortable abdominal bloating. One way to reduce bloating is to avoid lactose and other types of FODMAPs. Bloating, belching, flatulence, or feeling fullness are common symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome.

Fatigue and Sleep Difficulties

IBS can cause severe fatigue and low stamina. These symptoms can affect one’s social life and participation in leisure activities and limit one’s ability to perform work duties.

Irritable bowel syndrome has also been associated with insomnia and affects your ability to function correctly. Insomnia includes difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, and waking up feeling exhausted. A poor night’s sleep can, in turn, worsen your gastrointestinal symptoms.

Food Intolerances and Sensitivities

Irritable bowel syndrome sufferers often have food intolerances or sensitivities, which are quite different from food allergies. A food allergy causes an immune reaction, and the symptoms can be severe and sometimes life-threatening. Conversely, a food intolerance or sensitivity is a delayed immune response. The symptoms are not life-threatening, but a person may notice abdominal pain or discomfort two to three days after consuming a particular food. A food sensitivity test can help identify the foods you need to avoid.

Mood Issues and GI Health

Anxiety and depression are typically associated with Irritable bowel syndrome. Researchers are unsure if having depression and anxiety leads to IBS or if the stress of living with irritable bowel syndrome leads to depression and anxiety. Either way, digestive disturbances and anxiety go hand in hand, creating a vicious cycle that is difficult to overcome.

Stress and IBS are connected. Reducing your stress levels through effective stress relief techniques can also help alleviate the numerous symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. Yoga or tai chi not only helps reduce the symptoms of IBS, but it also helps improve gut motility to promote bowel regularity. In addition, deep breathing exercises and meditation help to lower stress levels and inflammation throughout the body.

Ready To Seek Help for IBS?

IBS can prevent you from living a healthy, fulfilling life. Our integrative practitioners specialize in treating irritable bowel syndrome, focusing on identifying the root cause of your symptoms. We will work with you to repair your GI tract and improve your digestive health and wellness. Our digestive health program includes dietary changes and lifestyle modifications as needed.