How to Manage Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) with Diet and Lifestyle Changes

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): Identification, Contributing Factors, and Treatment

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a common gastrointestinal disorder that affects many individuals worldwide. This article outlines the diagnostic criteria, risk factors, and treatment options for IBS.

Diagnostic Criteria To be diagnosed with IBS, a patient must experience gut issues for at least three months, with symptoms beginning at least six months prior. The criteria include abdominal pain occurring at least once weekly, associated with two or more of the following:

• Changes in defecation

• Changes in stool frequency

• Changes in stool consistency

Contributing Factors and Risk Groups While IBS affects approximately 5% of the general population, certain groups show higher prevalence:

Demographics and Conditions:

• Young adult women (under 50 years)

• Individuals with psychological conditions (like anxiety, depression, and PTSD)

• People with family history of gastrointestinal issues

Physiological Factors:

• Dysbiosis (imbalance of gut bacteria)

• Stress

• Previous bacterial infections (like Bali belly)

• Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO)

Environmental Factors:

• Dietary choices, particularly low fibre intake

• FODMAP (fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols) sensitivity

• Toxic exposure

• Certain medications (like antibiotics and oral contraceptives)

Approximately 80% of IBS patients report specific food triggers for their symptoms.

Treatment Approaches IBS treatment must be individualised, as severity can range from mild discomfort to severe pain and may co-exist with other conditions such as dyspepsia, coeliac disease, or inflammatory bowel disease.

Treatment options include:

• Probiotic and prebiotic supplementation

• Gut-healing nutrients

• Herbal carminatives

• Antimicrobial herbal therapy (for severe cases)

• Dietary modifications to reduce gut inflammation

• Structured dietary reintroduction programs

• Long-term maintenance programs

Additional therapeutic approaches:

• Regular exercise

• Stress management techniques

• Vagal nerve stimulation

• Sleep optimisation

• Psychological support (like counselling and cognitive behavioural therapy)

• Mindfulness training

• Acupuncture

While IBS can significantly impact quality of life, effective management is possible through naturopathic and nutritional interventions. Though there is no quick solution, individualised treatment plans can help reduce both the severity and frequency of symptoms and help get the spring back in your step!