Abdominal cramps, constipation, and bloating are unpleasant companions, especially when they bother you repeatedly or persistently. They drain you, turn cooking and eating into an ordeal, and can significantly lower your mood. We explain when irritable bowel syndrome might be behind these complaints, what causes it, and provide tips on how to actively address an irritable bowel.
What is irritable bowel syndrome?
Among gastrointestinal diseases, irritable bowel is one of the most frequently diagnosed conditions. Globally, an estimated 10% of people suffer from irritable bowel syndrome, or IBS for short. Proportionally, more women than men are affected. However, experts warn against premature conclusions, as many symptoms experienced by those with IBS also occur in other diseases.
So, what is the difference between nasty constipation, diarrhea, or constant bloating and an irritable bowel? Irritable bowel syndrome is diagnosed when these criteria apply to the affected individuals:
- Abdominal pain and other bowel complaints such as bloating and a feeling of fullness occur over a period of at least three months, thus being chronic.
- Stool consistency is altered, leading to constipation, diarrhea, or both alternately.
- Affected individuals are significantly impaired in their daily routine due to the symptoms.
- Other possible diseases have been ruled out beforehand.
Food intolerances such as lactose or fructose intolerance, in particular, come with similar symptoms. Therefore, it is advisable to get tested for these. But other more serious conditions should also be clarified in advance by the treating specialist. For example, through a blood test or a colonoscopy.
What symptoms are typical for an irritable bowel?
The specific complaints experienced by people with irritable bowel syndrome vary from person to person. Nevertheless, there are some symptoms that are typical for the condition. These include diarrhea and constipation, nausea, bloating, or a feeling of fullness. The sensation of incomplete bowel emptying or a visibly distended abdomen and sometimes cramp-like abdominal pain are also possible. These complaints can result in affected individuals feeling very tired, drained, and depressed. In short: the quality of life decreases. Anyone who has ever experienced severe gastrointestinal complaints can certainly relate.
What causes irritable bowel syndrome?
But how does irritable bowel develop? Research is currently ongoing into the causes of the disease. However, it is certain that the triggers for irritable bowel syndrome can be diverse. For example, stress, psychological strain, or a genetic predisposition. Infections or the use of antibiotics can also cause an irritable bowel. According to current research, two mechanisms may play a crucial role.
Irritable bowel and the gut brain
In irritable bowel syndrome, communication between the gut and the brain can be dysregulated. The intestinal wall contains a large number of nerve cells. This is why the enteric nervous system is also called the gut brain. It sends signals to the autonomic and central nervous systems. Together, they form what is known as the gut-brain axis. In people with irritable bowel complaints, the intestinal nerves can be constantly irritated. They then signal to the brain: pain!
This trigger is not only a possible explanation for the perception of pain, but also, for example, for the connection with other diseases, genetic causes, or the influence on the psyche.
Irritable bowel and gut flora
The gut microbiome consists of thousands of microorganisms—more than there are people on Earth. They contribute to our digestion and form an important part of our immune defense. Researchers have found that the gut flora of patients with irritable bowel syndrome is altered. It is out of balance. Certain bacterial strains are more common, others too rare. This affects our physical and psychological well-being.
One trigger for irritable bowel can therefore be gastrointestinal diseases. After a salmonella infection, the risk of developing irritable bowel is eight times higher. Even if people take antibiotics for an extended period, this can attack the bacterial cultures in the gut and cause irritable bowel. However, researchers are unclear whether a disturbed gut flora is a consequence or a cause of irritable bowel syndrome. In both cases, the complaints of affected individuals can often be improved by a balanced bacterial environment in the gut. Probiotics and an adapted diet play an important role here.
What to do for irritable bowel? – 4 tips
Do the symptoms described above apply to you? We have compiled 4 tips. These can help you find the right treatment and alleviate your symptoms.
- Doctor's visit: The diagnosis of irritable bowel can only be made by a doctor. It is important to rule out other diseases that can cause similar symptoms. A visit to your general practitioner or a specialist should be one of your first steps. Together, you can look for causes and a suitable treatment.
- Intolerance test: Food intolerances can cause similar symptoms to an irritable bowel. A test for lactose or fructose intolerance can also clarify the reasons for your complaints. The advantage here: if you remove foods containing these substances from your diet, your symptoms can quickly disappear.
- Probiotics: According to expert opinion, probiotics are a promising option. Probiotic foods contain microorganisms that support a healthy gut flora. They are found in yeast, kefir, or kombucha. Prebiotic foods, on the other hand, are food for bacteria. Examples include fiber such as inulin, which supports the gut flora.
- Adapted diet: With the right diet, you can alleviate symptoms. For irritable bowel, it is helpful to avoid so-called FODMAPs. FODMAPs are certain carbohydrates that are metabolized by bacteria in the large intestine and thus lead to the typical complaints. Foods that are bad for irritable bowel include stone fruits like apples and pears, but also mushrooms, dairy products with lactose, and fatty meats. Instead, citrus fruits, gluten-free products, and fish are good alternatives.
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All our articles are written by nutritionists and reviewed by experts for content quality.
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