What is IBS? and what causes it?

I get this ALL of the time! What the heck is IRRITABLE BOWEL SYNDROME (IBS), what’s causing it and what in the world can I do about it?!?!?

I hear you all. Here’s what’s up. IBS is a disorder (not a disease) that causes chronic abdominal pain and changes in your bowel habits…in plain English: bloating, cramping, pain with either constipation, diarrhea or both (it’s usually both).

We don’t fully understand the cause but we know that it’s a result of disordered gut-brain communication…your colon and your brain aren’t on the same page.

The link between stress, anxiety, depression, microbiome and genetics has been well established (in descending order).

Treatment? Here’s where you have to deploy some patience. There’s no one quick fix. Sure we have anti-spasmodics(anti-cramping) and other drugs which, don’t get me wrong, when we need them we use them. But more often than that it’s diet and lifestyle that end up being the trigger.

Where to start? My approach is like this. Keep a symptom diary. I like the app “Bowelle” but it can be as simple as a note on your phone. The point is to track what you are already eating and how you feel when you eat them. No changes. No eliminating. Nothing.

In conjunction with a symptom diary I have a discussion about the importance of exercise and stress reduction. Take a walk around the block. Practice 5 minutes of mindfulness a day (you can use any app or just literally sit in silence). But addressing the gut without the brain or vice versa is like addressing only one side of a fire….eventually the other will take over and you’ll be back at again.

If those things don’t prove fruitful I send them next to a dietitian who specializes in IBS. I know my limitations (time and knowledge) and as a believer in food as medicine I know the important role a dietitian has in this approach. A dietition can take you through the a trial of a low FODMAP diet. (Will do a post on that).

Lastly I consider treatment. Both anti-spasmodic and psychiatric. Remember, it’s a bi-directional relationship. If the gut is not happy the brain is not happy and VICE VERSA!

Stay strong! You WILL feel consistently good.