IBS stands for “Irritable bowel syndrome,” a term used to describe a type of digestive disorder characterized by a group of common symptoms.
The most common IBS symptoms are:
- Changes in bowel movements, such as constipation and diarrhea.
- Changes in the appearance of the stool, including its consistency and color; mucus may occur.
- Bloating.
- Gas and burping.
- Abdominal pain, aching, and cramps.
- Nausea, heartburn, or acid reflux.
- Feeling full quickly or loss of appetite.
- Most people become symptom-free after going to the bathroom.
What is the difference between IBS and IBD (inflammatory bowel disease)?
IBS and IBD share some similarities in terms of symptoms, but IBD, such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, is usually much more serious and apparent. They are caused by inflammation in the intestines and autoimmune reactions that affect the intestines and stomach.
Why do people get IBS?
There is no single cause of IBS that applies to everyone, but common factors that contribute to IBS include:
- Food sensitivities and allergies (especially to dairy products and gluten).
- Chronic stress or temporarily high levels of emotional or physical stress.
- Frequent travel.
- Changes in sleep patterns and circadian rhythm.
- Hormonal imbalances or changes (menstruation, menopause, or pregnancy can cause symptoms).
What can I do about my IBS?
First, any bacteria, fungi, or other substances that should not be present in excessive amounts in the body need to be removed—for example, Candida is one such fungus.
You can then add supportive herbs, beneficial gut bacteria, hydrochloric acid, enzymes, and more. You may need to repair the intestinal lining with, for example, aloe vera, B vitamins, glutamine, or a nutritional powder specifically for the intestinal lining.
If there is a bacterial imbalance—for example, too many bacteria (SIBO) in the wrong place—the intolerance often disappears or decreases when the balance is restored.
Studies have shown that 80–85% of people with IBS have bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) in the small intestine.
With SIBO, you may experience heartburn, nausea, bloating, diarrhea, or frequent burping, for example. If you do not experience these symptoms but only IBS symptoms such as constipation/diarrhea and stomach pain, it is better to focus on more fiber, probiotics, and prebiotics.
However, it is always a good idea to get tested for SIBO.
Diet is the most important thing!
- It is important to reduce protein and fat intake and increase fiber intake.
- People with IBS need more healthy fiber. It is good to eat starchy vegetables in all colors—preferably steamed. Also some fruit, plenty of berries, sprouts, vegetable juice, broth, miso soup, lean white protein, quinoa, chia seeds, and healthy fats such as olive oil and avocado.
- Do not eat too many dairy products; eliminate yellow cheese, red meat, white sugar, nuts, spicy food, eggs, and gluten completely if possible.
- Other things that can cause problems include too much coffee, black tea, alcohol, carbonated drinks, refined carbohydrates, laxatives, and certain medications.
Food allergy
Food allergies are common in people with IBS and may go unnoticed. Therefore, it is a very good idea to take a food intolerance test.
Stress
Remember that stress may also be a contributing factor. If you experience stress, it needs to be addressed with relaxing exercises, preferably gentle yoga, walks, relaxing music, and meditation, as well as calming herbs such as lemon balm or targeted supplements, for example L-theanine.
In this article, we write more about exhaustion caused by prolonged stress.
Exercise
Exercise is also very important. Studies have shown that regular exercise helps control stress and can improve digestive health.
Exercise has many positive effects on health.
Herbs
- Herbs such as dandelion and artichoke stimulate digestion.
- Other beneficial herbs include oregano oil, olive leaf, wormwood, garlic, and turmeric to combat bacteria, fungi, and viruses.
- In cases of bacterial overgrowth or candida, you can also drink Pau D'arco tea.
You can read more about herbs.
Dietary supplements
- If symptoms are caused by an enzyme deficiency, they can often be addressed by helping the body restore its own enzyme production through a good diet and taking enzymes.
- For constipation, Oxy-Powder is ideal.
- Other good supplements include B vitamins, Magnesium, and vitamin D, as well as Probiotics*—i.e. beneficial gut bacteria.
- *Many people wonder which probiotic strains are suitable for IBS, and Saccharomyces boulardii usually works well, as do most Bifidobacteria, such as Bifidobacterium lactis and Bifidobacterium infantis. But for most people, Lactobacillus plantarum and Lactobacillus acidophilus also work well.
- Preferably Turmeric as a supplement, i.e. the goal is to use Turmeric.
- Hydrochloric acid can be supportive because it prevents bacteria from entering the small intestine, where they should not be, which is common in people with IBS.
Get help from a nutritional therapist
It may be a good idea to book an appointment with a nutritional therapist or functional medicine doctor who can help investigate IBS symptoms more closely through testing.
They also guide you through a protocol and perform food sensitivity tests that show whether there are intolerances to foods that irritate the intestinal lining.
Contact us if you have any questions!
