By Isabelle Nunn, Head Nutritionist
What is IBS?
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is an overarching term used to describe a group of symptoms that affect the digestive system. It is a functional gastrointestinal disorder and often caused by what we refer to as a ‘brain-gut dysfunction’ where there is essentially a mis-communication between the nerves in the brain and the gut.*
How common is it?
About 10-15% of the population worldwide is said to suffer from IBS and we know that many are not even aware that their conditions relate to IBS. In the UK, almost 1 on 3 people say they suffer from IBS and we know that it affects people of all ages even children. The most common age being between 20 – 30 years old. We know that it is also twice as common in women as in men and generally the symptoms seem to be worst around the menstrual period.
IBS seems to be on the rise, BUT WHY?
• With the modern and hectic lifestyles, we lead, we may also be eating foods that simply irritate our digestion such as consuming foods that are high in sugars or refined carbohydrates.
• Processed foods that contain artificial additives and sweeteners have also been showed to disturb our gut microbiome and raise inflammatory levels
• The exposure to a higher incidence of environmental toxins is also said to be a predisposing factor
• Stress is a big factor in our lives and how we respond to it and manage it is another issue. We know that there is a direct correlation between the brain and the gut, and stress being a risk factor an incidence of symptoms or worsening of symptoms of IBS
• A higher incidence of antibiotics from a young age could be a contributor too.
How to recognise signs and symptoms?
Symptoms can include stomach cramps, or pain and these can be made worse after eating. They can feel better after having a bowel movement. Bloating can be experienced, where the stomach feels very full, uncomfortable and tender to the touch. Some may experience watery stools and having the urge to have a bowel movement all of sudden. Others may experience constipation. Individuals can also experience mucus in the stool and or excess gas. Symptoms can come and go and made worst by particular foods.
Products that can help IBS:
It is best to start seeing a registered nutritionist for a consultation and a thorough understanding of the medical history for each individual, however supplements that can help include:
· Slippery Elm is very soothing and healing.
· L-glutamine is an essential amino acid that can help heal the gut lining.
· Ginger root is a natural anti-inflammatory, which can help with nausea and spasms.
· Digestive enzymes can be useful depending on where the individual is in their healing journey.
Would those suffering from IBS be at potential risk of deficiencies?
In fact, yes. Research indicates that deficiencies can be wide and varied
• Vitamin D: Although the role of vitamin D deficiency in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) has not yet been established, studies are underway to clearly establish its role in the disease.
• Zinc: Research indicates a deficiency in this essential mineral, which plays an important role in the health of the digestive system. Zinc helps to regulate the gut microbiome and helps to inhibit the formation of pathogenic species that might try to overgrow in the gut. Which is very important to understand for those who suffer from IBS, because research shows a direct link between candida overgrowth and zinc deficiency.
*For information purposes only. Any claims are based on clinical research, are not aimed to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Food supplements should be used within the framework of a healthy lifestyle and not used as substitutes of a varied and balanced diet.
