IBS Treatment: Causes, Symptoms, and Medications

August 24, 2023

IBS Treatment: Causes, Symptoms, and Medications

IBS is a common digestive disorder that affects the large intestine and causes cramping, abdominal pain, bloating, gas, and diarrhea or constipation, or both. Often, people with IBS have normal bowel movements some days and abnormal ones on other days.

The type of IBS are,

  • IBS with constipation (IBS-C):  Poop is hard and lumpy.
  • IBS with diarrhea (IBS-D):  Poop is loose and watery.
  • IBS with mixed bowel habits (IBS-M):  Hard and lumpy bowel movements and loose and watery movements on the same day.

What Are the Causes of IBS?

The actual cause of IBS is unknown. But there are certain explanations for why some people have IBS and some people don’t.

Most people with IBS have disorders in the interaction of the gut and brain. That means, their gut and brain often fail to work together fluently.

Also, they have sensitive digestive tracts. The intestinal muscles are sensitive and contract uncontrollably. As a result, the patient experiences pain in the lower abdomen, chronic diarrhea, or constipation.

IBS can also develop for bacteria or viruses in the intestine. When the harmful bacteria creates a large colony in the intestine, they may affect the sensitivity of it.

Also, people with early life stress may experience IBS in their adult life. Stress also worsens the situation of people with IBS.

Sometimes genetics also play a role. People having a family history of IBS may encounter this condition in their life. Young people aged under 50 and females are more likely to experience IBS.

What Are the Symptoms of IBS?

IBS symptoms may differ from person to person. Sometimes, one person can experience different symptoms as well. So you may experience different abnormal bowel movements and discomforts. However, here are some common symptoms of IBS-

  • Abdominal Pain
  • Muscle cramps in the abdomen
  • Bloating
  • Diarrhea
  • Constipation
  • Farting
  • Mucus in stool
  • Weight loss
  • Changes in the bowel movement

Is IBS Treatment Possible?

You cannot completely cure Irritable Bowel syndrome. However, there are treatments that will help you control your symptoms. And many people have managed to stop the symptoms for a while or reduce it to live a better life.

For treating IBS, you need to take dietary changes and keep track of what affects you the most. Moreover, you can take nutritional supplements and prescribe medications that will help you. Furthermore, regular physical activity and exercise, managing stress, and keeping yourself calm may also be a part of IBS treatment.

Possible ways for IBS Treatment

Dietary Changes

Some foods to reduce the symptoms of IBS are,

Lean protein: Lean protein digests easily. Some lean proteins are egg, fish, white meat chicken, white meat turkey, Lean cuts of beef etc.

Fatty Fish: Fatty fish like salmon, cod are high in omega-3 fatty acids that have robust anti-inflammatory effects. As gut inflammation is known to contribute to IBS symptoms, eating more omega-3-rich fish can help.

Vegetables: vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, corn, eggplant, fennel, green beans, parsley, sweet potato, tomato, spinach, lettuce etc are very good for your gut flora (the bacteria and yeast that aid with digestion) and your overall gut health. If you find vegetables hard to digest, start by gradually.

Fruits: Fruits like avocado, banana, blueberry, kiwi, papaya, raspberry, strawberry etc. have some nutrients that are good for your gut flora lower make it easy for IBS patients.

 

Nuts: Nuts like almonds, brazil nuts, hazelnuts, macadamia nuts, pecans, pine nuts and walnuts are a good source of fiber, protein, and omega-3 fatty acids. To avoid saturated or transfat that can promote gut inflammation, go for raw nuts rather than those that have roasted, flavored, spiced, or sweetened.

Seeds : Seeds like chia seeds, cumin seeds, fennel seed, flaxseed, pumpkin seed and sunflower seed are great sources of fiber and may benefit people with  constipation-predominant (IBS-C). They are also nutritionally dense and are packed with antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, and minerals

Fermented Foods :Yogurt is a fermented food contain many natural strains of  probiotics. Probiotics are beneficial bacteria and yeasts that help normalize the gut flora and aid with digestion. Probiotics are also useful if you have active IBS-D as they can restore healthy bacteria that have been lost through diarrhea.

Turmeric : Bioactive component of turmeric- Curcumin inhibits Helicobacter pylori activity and improves communication between gut function and the brain (gut-brain axis). This turmeric derivative facilitates local micro-vascular vasodilation and an increase in organ blood flow, gastro protection, and ulcer healing.

Researchers also found that Curcumin could be used to IBS and other ailments, such as constipation, abdominal pain, bloating.

Mulberry: Mulberry contains polyphenols, Research has indicated that polyphenols can modify the ecology of the Gut Microbiota (GM) by employing antimicrobial activity or prebiotic-like action against harmful gut bacteria residing in the gut. Polyphenols expand the population of profitable species such as Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus, which contribute to the protection of the intestinal barrier. Additionally, they can increase the content of faecalibacterium prausnitzil, characterized by an anti-lnflammatory effect .

Medications: There are several medications that can be used to treat IBS. Such as,

  • Smooth muscle relaxants
  • Antidiarrheal medications
  • Laxatives
  • Antibiotics
  • Low-dose antidepressants

Alternative Therapies

Acupuncture may be helpful in managing anxiety, fibromyalgia, migraines and insomnia associated with IBS. Acupuncture also can have a direct gastrointestinal effect by altering GI motility and pain perception.

Therapeutic massage can help reduce anxiety and relieve stress.

Psychotherapy: There is a strong connection between the nervous system and colonic function. Stress plays an important role in the frequency and severity of symptoms in IBS patients. A history of stressful life, loss of loved ones, depression can increase the symptoms of IBS. Sometimes anxiety or depression occur with the onset of IBS symptoms. Psychotherapy can help to reduce stress therefore minimize IBS problems.

Foods to Avoid With IBS

Here are some foods you may need to avoid to maintain IBS symptoms-

  • Insoluble Fiber
  • Dairy products
  • Gluten
  • Beans
  • Sugar-free sweeteners
  • Alcohol
  • Garlic and onions
  • Fried foods we suggest keeping a track of foods that worsen your IBS and avoiding them as much as possible.

By maintaining a particular lifestyle it is possible if you manage IBS. You can also take Karkuma Organic Healthy Gut to support your digestive system. This functional food contains organic curcumins and mulberry which can help nourish your gut and improve the good bacteria colony as we discussed earlier. It’s available on our website!

Some FAQs

Can IBS Be Fully Treated?

Answer: Sadly, IBS cannot be fully treated. However, you can reduce some symptoms by changing your lifestyle and diet. Also, you can build a strategy for maintaining IBS by consulting with your doctor.

Can I Treat IBS by Myself?

Answer: You can try some steps to manage your IBS. it includes relaxation exercise, avoiding foods that trigger IBS, eating prebiotics and probiotics, and practicing physical activities.

What Are the Symptoms of IBS in Females?

Answer: Symptoms of IBS in females include muscle cramping, bloating, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and constipation. They may also experience fatigue, backaches, and insomnia during their menstruation.

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