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What Causes IBS?
Dealing with symptoms like gas, bloating, constipation, diarrhea, and abdominal pain can be inconvenient and uncomfortable. Many people have been diagnosed with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), and it has three forms: IBS-C that has symptoms of constipation, IBS-D that has symptoms of diarrhea, and then a form that has symptoms that include a combination of alternating constipation and diarrhea. The good news is that by working with the team at The Gut Authority, our experience has been that by working together we can help diagnose IBS and determine what may be causing your IBS symptoms. Our goal always is to help you on the road to healing.
Signs and Symptoms of IBS
Irritable Bowel Syndrome is mainly characterized by abdominal pain and cramping , and dealing with constipation or diarrhea. Nearly 70% of people that have IBS experience indigestion as well. Some signs and symptoms that you may have IBS include:
- Appetite loss
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Constipation
- Bloating or Abdominal swelling
- Increased gas
- Foamy or mucousy stool
Symptoms generally resolve themselves fairly quickly after a bowel movement, although this relief is usually temporary. In women, they may notice an increase in symptoms during their menstrual cycle as hormones change and increase. Drinking plenty of water, consuming enough fiber, drinking aloe vera juice, and taking a good quality probiotic often is helpful in the reduction of IBS symptoms.
Pathogens Can Cause IBS
Pathogens in the gut such as yeast, fungus, and even parasites can be the root cause of Irritable Bowel Syndrome. In many patients, a parasite called Blastocystis Hominis is found through testing, and once that is discovered, a plan for helping to eliminate symptoms can be made. An overgrowth of yeast and an imbalance in your gut bacteria can also be causing a variety of symptoms. Fortunately, we can work with you to balance your microbiome. By helping you get yeast and bacteria levels back to normal, it has been our experience that our team approach may help you reduce your IBS symptoms.
Food Allergy and Sensitivity
Food allergies and sensitivities can often be a cause of Irritable Bowel Syndrome symptoms. The top offending foods for allergies and sensitivities can include gluten, gluten-containing grains, eggs, soy, corn, shellfish, milk and dairy products, peanuts, and tree nuts. People may be sensitive or allergic to almost any food, so keeping a food diary of what you’ve eaten and what the symptoms are, may be helpful in figuring out your IBS triggers. But, at The Gut Authority, we usually find that the correct laboratory and blood tests are the key that unlocks the exact cause of your IBS symptoms. That is why we do a detailed history review to determine which lab tests would be most appropriate to identify the causes of your IBS symptoms.
Diet for IBS
Eating a diet free from spicy, fried, and processed foods can be instrumental in helping the body heal from IBS. Consuming more whole foods, including high quality grass fed and grass finished meat, as well as organic vegetables and fruits, can help the body with digestion and reduce IBS triggers. A gluten-free and dairy-free diet is extremely important, and considering a diet like the low FODMAP diet (a three step elimination diet) may be helpful as well.
Stress and Anxiety can Affect IBS
Being in a state of chronic anxiety and emotional stress can be detrimental to the digestive system, as the activation of stress hormones can cause the body to get into a state of sympathetic dominance commonly known as a “fight or flight” mode. This can slow healing and also result in an imbalance in your gut bacteria or microbiome . This can happen because intestinal bacterial balance can be impacted by your stress hormones. The body wants to stay in a state of balance known as homeostasis, and when it’s disrupted, many functions of the body can be affected as well.
Let Us Help You
Don’t suffer with Irritable Bowel Symptoms any longer. Give The Gut Authority a call to schedule your first appointment. Our office is conveniently located in the Daphne, AL area, and we enjoy serving our community in the Pensacola, Florida, the Mississippi Gulf Coast, and Gulf Shores, AL area as well. We look forward to working with you to help you on the road to better health!
