Irritable bowel syndrome​ (IBS)

Irritable bowel syndrome symptoms

There are many symptoms that can indicate irritable bowel syndrome;

Stomach ache, cramps, nausea, irregular bowel movements, bloating, candida, bloating, diarrhea, constipation, back pain, loose stools, stomach discomfort, flatulence, stomach cramps, acid reflux, lactose intolerance, gluten intolerance, food intolerance, hard stools, thin stools.

How long does irritable bowel syndrome last?

Irritable bowel syndrome is a syndrome that occurs over a long period of time with symptoms that gradually get worse and worse. Therefore, irritable bowel syndrome can last for many years, if not decades.

With the right osteopathic help and guidance, the development of irritable bowel syndrome can be slowed and improved.

However, it requires a lot of personal effort in terms of reducing stress, getting enough sleep, eating a healthy diet and exercising, etc.

Irritable bowel syndrome anxiety and depression

The gastrointestinal system is often said to be the body’s second brain, as digestion has its own life. Digestion is generally controlled by the brain, but the stomach also has its own system, Auerbach and Meissner. Serotonin is produced during digestion, which is a happy hormone. This hormone also acts as a neurotransmitter in the brain.

Studies show that stomach problems can affect mental health.

Stress affects irritable bowel syndrome

The body’s autonomic nervous system, para- and sympathetic, generally controls all functions in the body that we have no control over, such as digestion. The gastrointestinal system is controlled by parasympathetic and sympathetic. When parasympathetic is at its highest, sympathetic is at its lowest. Under stress, the autonomic nervous system has activated the sympathetic system, meaning that gastrointestinal function is therefore poor.

Over time, stress will disrupt healthy gut function. Stress and anxiety can sometimes lead to diarrhea and other stomach disorders.

Irritable bowel syndrome and stress

Conversely, the digestive system can also affect the autonomic nervous system and lead to increased stress in the body. When digestion is not working, the feedback system to and from the brain becomes highly activated. This means that the body’s state can become tense and stressed.

Irritable bowel syndrome and nausea

Nausea is one of many symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome.

When people suffering from irritable bowel syndrome eat, their gastrointestinal system must compensate for a number of functions that the intestinal system cannot perform.

Often the stomach acid is irregular, the intestinal flora is poor and/or the peristalsis in the intestines is weak. Therefore, other areas of the digestive system have to step up and work harder. The production of bile and activation of the pancreas are two of the gastrointestinal system’s compensatory mechanisms. This leads to a vicious circle where nausea, stomach cramps, acid reflux, etc. can occur.

Irritable bowel syndrome and children

Anyone can develop irritable bowel syndrome, including children. Symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome in children are mostly stomach pain, constipation, and diarrhea. Parents should pay attention to whether their children often feel dizzy, have nausea, have a low appetite, are bloated, have alternating constipation or diarrhea, and have a lot of gas in their stomach.

The diagnosis of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

The diagnosis of IBS is made on the basis of a number of symptoms that may indicate irritable bowel syndrome (see above) and at the same time by the method of exclusion, i.e. all other pathologies (diseases) can be excluded. This can be done after scans, endo- or colonoscopy, blood tests, etc.

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Irritable Bowel Syndrome Fatigue

Fatigue is a well-known symptom in people suffering from irritable bowel syndrome.

Irritable bowel syndrome often causes a changed bowel pattern, meaning that the stool is often in the form of diarrhea or loose stools.

This often means that the contents of food consumed do not always have time to be fully absorbed in the small intestine, which leads to a lack of energy and fatigue.

Irritable bowel syndrome and mental health

According to Kowalski and Mulak, gastrointestinal problems can be a direct and indirect cause of mental problems such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, depression, etc. The link between the intestinal system and the brain is the vagus nerve. The function of the vagus nerve is to control the function of the gastrointestinal system, but the function of the nerve is also to a large extent to register and “feel” how the situation is with the stomach. The reason for this is that the gastrointestinal system is vital for our survival.

Irritable bowel syndrome and psychological effect

The gastrointestinal system is controlled by the body’s autonomic nervous system (vegetative nervous system), which means the balance between the sympathetic nervous system and the parasympathetic nervous system.

When the body is psychologically affected by stress, anxiety, fear or similar, the body’s sympathetic nervous system will be activated.

When the sympathetic nervous system is active, the parasympathetic nervous system is relatively inactive, which means that control of digestion is impaired.

Irritable bowel syndrome diet and dietary advice

When the gastrointestinal system has been so affected that the diagnosis of irritable bowel syndrome can be made, the general gastrointestinal system has become significantly poor and weak.

The majority of our immune system lies in digestion, which also means that the intestinal system has become weak in removing inflammation and inflammatory conditions.

There are a number of foods that are relatively hard on the stomach for everyone. People who suffer from IBS often cannot tolerate these foods. The typical foods are; gluten, lactose, sugar, starch, etc.

Irritable bowel syndrome and bowel movements

In irritable bowel syndrome, the stool pattern can vary from case to case. Since the symptom picture can show both constipation (hard stools) and diarrhea (soft stools), the stool is individual from person to person. However, many people have light or yellowish stools. This is a sign that the regulation of the secretion of bile, which colors the stool and breaks down fat, is impaired.

Irritable bowel syndrome pain

Irritable bowel syndrome does not usually cause nociceptive pain. The reason for this is that the digestive and organ systems are not equipped with nociceptors. However, conditions such as abdominal cramps, constipation, bloating can cause discomfort and pain in the skeleton.

Weight loss and irritable bowel syndrome

Although significant weight loss and irritable bowel syndrome are not often associated, irritable bowel syndrome can often lead to intolerance to many foods, which can contribute to weight loss. However, over many years, irritable bowel syndrome can irritate and destroy part or all of the lining of the intestines. The lining of the intestines, especially the small intestine, absorbs nutrients from food.

If the mucosa is not functioning, the intestines cannot and will not absorb nutrients to maintain our body systems. Therefore, weight loss will occur.

Intestinal flora and irritable bowel syndrome

The intestinal flora plays an important role in the environment inside the intestines. The intestinal flora supports the breakdown of food and helps the mucous membranes absorb nutrients from food. The intestinal flora, together with the mucous membranes, is dependent on good vagus (parasympathetic) activity.

Neck pain, emotional problems, other stomach-related problems, as well as problems with the head (skull) can and will have an impact on the intestinal flora and mucous membranes.

What helps with irritable bowel syndrome?

Stomach cramps and/or stomach pain can be relieved or eliminated by the following measures.

• Lukewarm water mixed with a little lemon and a teaspoon of oil 30 minutes before breakfast.
• Drink a glass of water 10 minutes before meals.
• Chew each bite 10-15 times.
• Take 20-40 minutes to eat your meal.
• Take about 30 minutes after a meal to digest the food.
• Stay away (for a period of time) from foods that make you bloated.
• Stay away from too much sugar and alcohol.
• Lav åndedræøstvelser 2-3 gange dagligt hvor du ligger stille og trækker vejret ind (5 sekunder) og puster ud (10 sekunder) i alt 15 gange.

Irritable bowel syndrome and medication

Der skal absolut understreges at medicin for irritabel tyktarm er blot symptombehandling og ikke årsagsbehandling.

However, it may be useful to know which medications can relieve IBS symptoms.

• Anticonvulsants: Imogas, Ercoril
• Drugs that stop diarrhea: Imodium, Asacol, Dipentum
• Agents that promote bowel movement (constipation): Emperal, Primperan

Latest research

New research updates understanding of the diagnosis and treatment of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

IBS, a complex gastrointestinal disorder with no clear physical cause, requires a personalized approach to diagnosis and treatment. The researchers highlight the importance of understanding the many facets of IBS, including its possible triggers such as diet, stress, and gut microbiota balance. Treatment strategies range from lifestyle changes to specific medications, emphasizing the need for tailored patient solutions.

Read the full research on PubMed. 

Irritable bowel syndrome and diet

Diet plays a crucial role in managing IBS. Different foods can either aggravate or alleviate symptoms. Many people with IBS experience improvement by following a low-FODMAP diet, which limits certain carbohydrates that are difficult to digest and can trigger symptoms. It can also be treated through functional medicine.

Additionally, fiber-rich foods may help some people by stabilizing stools, while others may need to avoid coarse fibers if they cause symptoms.

Individualization of the diet is key, as tolerance to different foods can vary significantly from person to person.

Understanding the influence of diet