Learn More About Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
IBS is also called Spastic Colon, Mucous Colitis or Intestinal Nervosas. This condition involves the entire GI Tract which may cause many different symptoms throughout the body.
Signs & Symptoms
- Abdominal pain or distension
- Flatulence and other digestive issues
- Bowel movement changes which can either be constipation or diarrhea
- Anxiety
Part of this issue within IBS is lack of fibre in the diet. This combined with poor digestion and then poor gut health can result in inflammation of the gut. This leads to gas, bloating, pain and ultimately either constipation or diarrhea.
Stress and anxiety play a role in this condition as stress can cause the narrowing of the intestine (a contraction is the response to stress). Stress also temporarily shuts down proper digestion (fight or flight) which can lead to undigested food particles entering the gut. We also have to remember the connection between gut health and brain health.
IBS worsens with smoking, caffeine, stress, and other stimulants.
Some lifestyle recommendations include:
- Increase fibre intake. Ensure you are using both soluble and insoluble fibre and strictly insoluble fibre may make this condition worse
- Avoid sugar, alcohol and artificial sweetness
- Drink lots of water
- Improve sleep hygiene
- Treat poor gut health / digestion
- Reduce stress
- Add magnesium. It helps to reduce tension on all levels: physiological, physical, and emotional. It calms the nervous system to promote sleep and alleviate pain. It also relaxes the mind to reduce feelings of stress and anxiety
