What is IBS & Can it be Cured?
Irritable Bowel Syndrome, commonly known as IBS, impacts over 15% of the American population. Personally managing IBS for over five years, I aim to provide factual information alongside my personal experience, shedding light on the condition, its manifestations, and my approach towards addressing both its root cause and symptoms.
What is IBS?
IBS mainly impacts the large intestine, altering bowel functions and leading to symptoms without affecting the body's physical structure. Common symptoms of IBS comprise constipation, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and bloating. In addition to these, IBS can unexpectedly cause other issues like intensified menstrual cramps, increased urination, pain during intimacy, muscle pain, and fatigue. It is more prevalent in women than in men.
Possible Causes of IBS
The actual cause of Irritable Bowel Syndrome is difficult to pinpoint. However, all of these things could contribute to IBS:
-Food intolerances & sensitivities
-Too much bacteria in the gut
-Infections in the intestine
-Abnormal bowel motility
-Stress
-Hormones
Treatment of IBS
As per current medical research, IBS has no known cure, which can be disheartening for affected individuals. While I acknowledge that I am not a medical professional and my suggestions are purely opinion-based, I subscribe to the belief that "nothing is impossible." Despite conditions like diabetes, pancreatitis, and autoimmune disorders lacking definitive treatments according to present understanding, there are ways to significantly enhance one's well-being and quality of life. While direct cures may not exist for many of these conditions, improvements can be made through dietary modifications and lifestyle adjustments. Various diets and foods are known to alleviate IBS symptoms, although some recommended diets may overlook the inclusion of fruits and healthy fats. It is essential to recognize that every individual's body is unique, and given the variability in IBS causes, treatments should be tailored accordingly.
Find Out Your Food Intolerances & Allergies
Identifying intolerances to certain foods is crucial for improving gut health and alleviating symptoms. Personally, gluten and dairy were significant triggers for my symptoms, while nuts and beans induced stomach pain. Surprisingly, even seemingly beneficial "superfoods" like broccoli, cabbage, and Brussels sprouts exacerbated my IBS symptoms.
To identify food intolerances, consider food intolerance tests, a food journal, or the food elimination diet to pinpoint what your body may be sensitive to.
Eat a Fresh, Plant-Based Diet
Foods to consume:
-Leafy greens
-Berries
-Bananas
-Avocados
-Coconut oil
-Lean protein
-Plant-based milk
-Refrigerated plant-based probiotic
-Flaxseed
-Sprouted nuts & legumes
-Spelt, almond, cassava, cashew, and coconut flour
Foods to avoid:
-Gluten & Grains
-Dairy
-Soy
-Corn & canola oil
-Hard to digest veggies such as brussels sprouts and cabbage
-Peanuts & peanut oil
-Processed ingredients
Drink Lots of Water
To support optimal digestion and bowel function, sufficient fluid intake is essential. Consuming enough filtered water daily is crucial. Kickstart your day with warm lemon water to jumpstart your metabolism and aid digestion. If plain water becomes monotonous, consider infusing it with fresh fruit or lemon.
Get Moving
Regular physical activity, such as taking a walk or exercising, plays a crucial role in promoting healthy digestion and supporting good mental health, both of which can impact Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). Maintaining an active lifestyle is known to assist in reducing symptoms associated with IBS and enhancing one's general well-being.
My Experience with IBS
I have struggled with digestion problems for most of my life. I grew up eating the traditional American diet, which consisted of regular fast food runs and packaged snacks. I usually opted for soda over water, and I definitely consumed a lot of dairy. My symptoms of IBS showed up when I was around 22 years old, but I had digestion issues long before that. The only type of food I knew I was intolerant to was dairy at the time, but little did I know that I was intolerant to a whole list of foods. Now that I'm aware of my triggers, I am able to tailor my diet to better fit my dietary needs.
I experience IBS mainly through bloating, lower right abdominal pain, nausea, and fatigue. IBS worsened my menstrual pain and mimicked UTI symptoms. Flare-ups not only impacted the bowels but also other organs, particularly noticeable due to my small stature. Seeking help for UTI-like symptoms and suspected cysts led to tests confirming that my bladder and ovaries were completely fine and healthy. Understanding that my symptoms were IBS-related provided relief and a clearer approach to managing my digestive issues.
The Bottom Line
If changes to your diet and lifestyle have not alleviated your struggles, consider consulting a Naturopathic doctor or registered dietitian for additional guidance. For severe pain or digestive issues, promptly schedule a doctor's appointment to rule out serious conditions such as appendicitis or other significant health issues.
