I see a large number of clients who have either been diagnosed with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) or experience IBS like symptoms, which is not surprising given that it is the most common functional gastrointestinal disorder worldwide, affecting around 11% of the population.
Despite it being such a common disorder, there is a real stigma around the discussion of digestive health largely due to the idea that it is something to be embarrassed by. This should not be the case and as a gut specialist, I am passionate about the fact that optimising digestive function is absolutely key to our overall health! Poor digestion can impact our immune function, mental well-being, hormonal health, energy levels and metabolism.
I would also like to take this as an opportunity to emphasise how debilitating and frustrating it can be for those suffering with recurrent bowel problems- limiting physical exertion, social interactions, mental health and overall quality of life. More than half of people with IBS experience fatigue and research indicates a strong association with anxiety disorders and mood disorders, such as depression.
How does that work? This is through the gut-brain axis which acts as a direct highway, intimately connecting our gut to our brain. In this way, poor digestive health can have detrimental effects on our mental health and vice versa. So which comes first? It’s a circular system so the million dollar ‘chicken or the egg’ question remains!
What is IBS?
IBS is a disorder that affects the gastrointestinal tract and diagnosis is often given when similar or more serious conditions have been ruled out- such as IBD (Crohn’s, Ulcerative Colitis), infections, bowel cancer or Coeliac disease. IBS is an umbrella term used to describe a collection of persistent intestinal symptoms and change in bowel habits (including constipation, urgency, diarrhoea, bloating, cramping, gas or abdominal pain).
I find that many patients ‘label’ themselves with this condition and often feel hopeless knowing that they must learn to live with their symptoms- this is simply not the case! Through a functional medicine approach there is always a way to support digestive health, by addressing the underlying imbalances leading to IBS/symptoms in the first place! It may be due to the presence of a parasite, bacterial imbalances, SIBO, yeast overgrowth, food intolerances or a poor diet- however no one size fits all given that we are all biochemically unique individuals. With a thorough analysis of medical history and comprehensive stool testing, we are able to identify and target the root cause behind the symptoms moving forward. Similarly, there are specific triggers which can exacerbate IBS symptoms such as stress, diet, stimulants (coffee, alcohol and sugar), poor sleep and exercise- managing exposure to these while addressing the root cause can be extremely effective when using a personalised approach to optimise digestive health.
If you are suffering from IBS, don’t lose hope and remember that you are not alone! I truly believe there is always something that can be done to drive you towards a state of well-being and help you gain control of your symptoms once and for all.
*****This blog is not intended or implied to be a substitute for seeking professional medical advice, treatment or diagnosis. Information provided here is general, and not intended to treat, diagnose, prevent or cure any disease or conditions. Please contact your GP or private health consultant, if you have any personal health concerns, or consult a registered nutritional therapist for personalised dietary and lifestyle advice and guidance.
