Irritable Bowel Syndrome, also known as IBS, is a condition that is identified by symptoms such as abdominal discomfort, cramps, bloating, irregular bowel movements, including loose stools and constipation, often accompanied by urgency.
My experience with IBS in my 20s led me to pursue a career as a Nutritionist. Those affected by this condition often have a background of frequent antibiotic use or prolonged stress, both of which can disrupt gut flora, a common characteristic in individuals with IBS.
IBS can affect the digestive system, causing issues like SIBO (Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth). Symptoms include bloating and burping in the upper gastrointestinal tract, often due to medications, low stomach acid, or stress. Treatment involves herbal remedies to reduce unwanted bacteria and a low FODMAP diet for about a month.
If you are wondering if your IBS is linked to gluten or dairy intolerance, then pay attention to a sensation of tightness around your stomach, which can indicate stomach inflammation commonly associated with food intolerances like gluten, dairy, eggs, soy, nuts, or chocolate.
Eliminating major food intolerances with the assistance of a Nutritionist such as myself, for a period of 2-4 weeks until symptoms alleviate, and subsequently reintroducing them gradually one by one can be an effective approach to managing food intolerances and addressing symptoms and treatment of IBS.
A burning feeling, or nausea in the upper digestive system, may indicate H.Pylori bacteria. Tests via the GP or privately can determine this, and appropriate treatment given.
Certain people might encounter bloating or cramping in the lower colon as a result of an excessive presence of yeast, parasites, or harmful bacteria. This condition can be detected through a confidential stool examination and managed appropriately. Rapid transit time can also lead to cramping, frequently attributed to food sensitivities or stress.
Probiotics are very helpful for reducing wind and normalising stools but be careful of ones that contain high levels of prebiotics as this is a type of useful fibre that feeds our flora, but can increase wind in those with disrupted flora.
Stress can also play a part, and studies have found that high stress impacts on the levels of both favourable and unwanted gut bacteria. If you are stressed, it can halt digestion causing many symptoms of bloating, indigestion and disrupted stools.
Slowly increasing fibre from vegetables can help increase the number and diversity of gut flora, but this is best done under the guidance of a Nutritional Therapist to choose the right vegetables and to give advice on cooking guidelines for certain vegetables to minimise bloating.
If you would like to learn more about treating and recognizing symptoms of IBS, feel free to reach out to me - I am here to assist!
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