What is irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)? And how can I treat it?

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is an uncomfortable disorder characterised by intense changes in bowel movements. Several individuals experience diarrhoea, whereas others have constipation.  Cramps and abdomen pain can make everyday activities unbearable.

Medical intervention is significant in the treatment of IBS, but did you know that certain diets could improve your symptoms? Discover the most common diets presented to decrease uncomfortable symptoms, and work toward leading a healthy life.

Can I suddenly get IBS?

The simple answer is Yes. Similar to any medical condition IBS develops at some point-one day you have normal bowel movements and the next day you start to notice changes. Perhaps you start having diarrhoea and gas or constipation and bloating. The 2 things most likely to make your IBS symptoms worse are the foods we eat and consuming emotional stress. Diet. Eating makes your colon muscles move or contract.

Common IBS symptoms:

• Stomach pain – frequently worse following eating and better after doing a poo.
• Bloating – your Stomach may feel uncomfortably full and bloated.
• Diarrhoea – and occasionally need to poo suddenly.
• Constipation – you may have the urge to poo, but are not able to empty your bowels. 

IBS can also cause:

• farting (flatulence)
• passing mucus from your bottom
• tiredness and a lack of energy
• feeling sick (nausea)
• backache
• problems peeing – like needing to pee often, sudden urges to pee, and feeling like you cannot fully empty your bladder
• not always being able to control when you poo (incontinence) 

What are the tests for IBS:

There’s no test for IBS, but you might need some tests to rule out other possible causes of your symptoms.

The GP may arrange:

• a blood test to check for problems like coeliac disease  
• tests on a sample of your poo to check for infections and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)

You will not usually need further tests in hospital unless the GP is not sure what the problem is. 

What happens if you are diagnosed with IBS:

If your GP suggests that you do have IBS, then they can discuss treatment options such as a FODMAP diet.

What is a FODMAP diet? A low-FODMAP diet is designed to help people with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) have better control over their symptoms by limiting certain foods. FODMAPs stands for fermentable oligo-saccharides, di-saccharides, mono-saccharides and polyols.

Not everybody that has IBS needs to follow a FODMAP diet, however, FODMAP diet has been a revelation in the treatment for IBS symptoms. Now there are numerous things we can do to manage your IBS. Because what you eat can have a major result on our body’s, digestive issues are incredibly common. Fodmaps are types of carbohydrates found in certain foods, including wheat and beans.

Studies have shown strong links between FODMAPs and digestive symptoms like gas, bloating, stomach pain, diarrhoea and constipation. Low-FODMAP diets can offer extraordinary benefits for countless people with common digestive disorders. Most FODMAP-trained dietitians have reported it takes an average of 2-4 weeks to see obvious changes. Everyone’s bodies are different Some people have stated seeing changes in the first few days, while others see a shift right at the 4-week mark. To avoid overly restrictive meals, speak with a dietician before beginning this diet.

Low-FODMAP diet:

FODMAPs are carbohydrates that are problematic for the intestines to digest. Subsequently because these carbs pull more water into the bowel, individuals with IBS might experience more gas, bloating, and diarrhoea after consuming these foods. Temporarily kerbing or reducing your intake of high FODMAP foods for six to eight weeks could improve your symptoms of IBS.

It’s vital to note that not all carbohydrates are FODMAPs. For the best result, you have to remove the right kinds of foods. Foods to avoid include:

• lactose (milk, ice cream, cheese, yogurt)
• certain fruits (peaches, watermelon, pears, mangoes, apples, plums, nectarines)
• legumes
• high-fructose corn syrup
• sweeteners
• wheat-based bread, cereals, and pasta
• cashews and pistachios
• certain vegetables (artichoke, asparagus, broccoli, onions, brussels sprouts, cauliflower, mushrooms)

Consider while this diet rejects some fruits, nuts, vegetables, and dairy, it doesn’t remove all foods from these categories. If you drink milk, choose lactose-free milk or other replacements such as rice or soy milk. There may find some days your symptoms are better than others (flare-ups). They may be triggered by food or drink:

What can trigger IBS?

Too much fibre, particularly the insoluble kind you get in the skin of fruits and vegetables. Food and drinks with chocolate, alcohol, caffeine, fructose, or sorbitol. Carbonated drinks. Large meals. 

Tips to relieve IBS symptoms:

Do’s

• cook homemade meals using fresh ingredients when you can
• keep a diary of what you eat and any symptoms you get – try to avoid things that trigger your IBS
• Try include probiotics
• try to find ways to relax
• get plenty of exercise

Don’t

• do not defer or skip meals
• do not eat too quickly
• do not eat lots of fatty, spicy or processed foods
• do not eat more than 3 portions of fresh fruit a day (a portion is 80g)
• do not drink more than 3 cups of tea or coffee a day
• do not drink lots of alcohol or fizzy drinks

How to ease cramps, gas and bloating:

• eat oats (such as porridge) frequently
• eat up to 1 tablespoon of linseeds a daily
• avoid foods that are hard to digest (like cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, brussels sprouts, beans, onions and dried fruit)
• avoid food and drinks containing a sweetener called sorbitol
• ask a pharmacist about medicines that can help, like Buscopan or peppermint oil

Managing diarrhoea:

• Reduce high -fibre foods such as Wholegrain foods (brown bread, brown rice, nuts and seeds.
• Avoid sorbitol sweeteners
• Speak with your pharmacist regarding medications available to reduce diarrhoea

Relieving constipation:

• Ensure you drink plenty of water, to soften poo
• Up your intake of soluble fibre – good foods include pulses, oats, peeled potatoes, linseeds and carrots.
• Speak with your pharmacist regarding medicines that can help