Why is Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) so hard to manage?

Are you struggling with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)? Managing this condition can feel like a constant battle, with unexpected flare-ups derailing your progress. Understanding the complexities of IBS is the first step towards effectively managing its symptoms and reclaiming control over your digestive health.

Irritable bowel syndrome can be a lifelong condition where the function of the bowels are influenced by the immune system, the bowels being overly sensitive, and the brain's reaction to stress, anxiety, and depression. It can also be caused by a previous bacterial or viral infection of the gastrointestinal tract, or an overall bacterial imbalance.

Some individuals experience some or all of the following symptoms: bloating, abdominal pain, excessive gas, urgent need to use the bathroom, constipation and/or diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, and more.

IBS is different than Inflammatory Bowel Disease which increases the risk of other bowel conditions, and cancer. It is not believed that IBS alters the health of the bowels, or increases the risk of cancer or other diseases. It is however a challenging condition to manage and requires a multilayered approach.

You might also be surprised to know that your mental state and pelvic health can affect your gut. That's right, your nervous system controls the movement of your digestive tract. Which is why it is so important for individuals to have healthy and consistent ways to approach stress.

The science community is now learning so much more about the gut-brain axis and over time, we will have a better understanding of the cause and treatment of many health conditions.

In addition, pelvic floor dysfunction can affect the health of the pelvic muscles, organs, and the rectum which can also have an impact on individuals with IBS.

Some individuals experience IBS triggers with the following foods:

High fiber foods

Fermentable foods

Dairy

Some grains

Some legumes and beans

Caffeine (coffee, tea, sodas)

Excess high fat foods

High FODMAP foods (carbohydrates that are difficult to digest)

While speaking with your primary doctor can help, this condition is mainly managed by monitoring and altering the foods you have an intolerance to, managing stress, anxiety and including exercise. Your doctor can rule out other conditions like Celiac disease, Inflammatory bowel disease (ulcerative colitis, Crohns disease) and others.

We can work together to discuss the idea and implementation of a short-duration elimination diet. This diet can be extremely helpful for individuals that are having reactions and intolerances to many foods. It can also be a very gut healing diet that allows your bowels the time to repair themselves and prevent any food particles from passing through/irritating your gut barrier.

It is extremely important for all of us to take the time to listen to the symptoms/messages as our bodies are desperately communicating with us. It is not normal to have abdominal pain, gas, or bloating at every meal. It is possible to calm the digestive system and get it working at its optimal function again.

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