Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Irritable bowel syndrome awareness month is observed in April, it affects 10-15% of the population worldwide.

Author: Shari Dalal

Irritable bowel syndrome awareness month is observed in April. Irritable bowel syndrome or IBS is a gut-brain disorder affecting quality of life. It is typically characterized by constipation only, diarrhea only, or a combination of diarrhea and constipation. Flatulence, painful cramps, and other uncomfortable symptoms also accompany irritable bowel syndrome. 

The gut-brain connection is a powerful information highway between the brain and the gut. The brain relays messages to the gut through 2 pathways, the parasympathetic and sympathetic nervous systems. These systems work in tandem affecting food motility, absorption of nutrients, secretion of digestive juices, and inflammation level in the digestive system. 

The digestive system also has its own nervous system called the enteric nervous system. The enteric nervous system consists of millions of cells providing feedback to the brain on the gut’s status, such as present blood flow and bloating. Individuals experiencing IBS lack proper communication between this gut-brain axis. 

Irritable bowel syndrome affects 10-15% of the population worldwide, 25-45 million people in the United States, age 50 and younger, usually experience IBS, and occurs mostly in women. Quality of life is greatly reduced in irritable bowel syndrome, with many avoiding social gatherings and events. While there is debate on what causes irritable bowel syndrome, some sources have attributed it to a stressful life event, while others have specified no known cause. Many sources have also said there is no cure, while others have cured their IBS through lifestyle changes.

 Many of the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome are also present in other digestive disorders like diverticulitis, ulcerative colitis, stomach ulcer, etc. Certain tests must be performed prior to an IBS diagnosis to rule out other severe digestive disorders. 

Personally, having lived with this disorder for several years, I have found that consuming a whole foods plant-based diet, consuming fiber, meditation, exercising, and sleeping well have alleviated my symptoms. Lifestyle changes are critical to living a life as normal and pleasant as possible. Stimulation of the vagus nerve may also help in some cases. The vagus nerve is located behind the neck and is directly connected to the gut. Humming, massaging the vagus nerve, and singing can stimulate the vagus nerve and enable better digestion. Certain herbs like pure acacia senegal, consuming a low-fat diet, and consuming fresh and organic foods have been shown to provide relief as well. 

By spreading awareness of irritable bowel syndrome, it enables a sense of community and that a better life is possible. IBS sufferers are not alone, and there is help through diet and lifestyle changes. 

Spread awareness by using #ibsawarenessmonth to help others go on the path to wellness. 

References:

https://nationaltoday.com/ibs-month/#:~:text=U.S.,observed%20every%20year%20in%20April.

https://aboutibs.org/living-with-ibs/ibs-awareness-month/

https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/brain-gut-connection-explains-why-integrative-treatments-can-help-relieve-digestive-ailments-2019041116411#:~:text=Given%20this%20strong%20mind%2Dbody,improve%20mood%2C%20and%20decrease%20anxiety