IBS, a shorthand name for irritable bowel syndrome, is a common condition that affects an estimated 10 to 15% of the US population. Those affected by IBS often experience abdominal pain or discomfort and see changes in either the form or frequency of their bowel movements.
IBS can be triggered by a variety of changes, including those in poor sleep, diets, and stress levels, making it a hard condition to pinpoint. Luckily, many of the symptoms can be alleviated by making some positive alterations to your diet and general lifestyle.
Let’s take a look at some of the leading causes of IBS, its most common symptoms, and what to do in order to ease the agitation of this condition.
Symptoms and Causes of IBS
IBS typically manifests itself through symptoms that include stomach pain and cramps. The cramps tend to get worse after eating, constipation, bloating, and diarrhea. The symptoms may abate on certain days but can resurface again when certain food or drinks are consumed. Some of the other common symptoms include nausea, flatulence, fatigue, exhaustion, and backaches.
The exact cause of IBS remains unknown, but there is a range of factors commonly linked to the condition. These include a family history of IBS, biological issues, dietary changes, stress, over-sensitive stomach nerves, and expedited digestion.
What To Do If You Experience IBS?
Those who experience symptoms of IBS should visit their general practitioner. The doctor will be able to rule out other illnesses with similar symptoms and effects on the digestive system and diagnose you with IBS.
Since there are no simple solutions to overcoming IBS, it is important to focus on identifying what triggers it and minimizing them. Food intolerances and foods that your stomach struggles to break down are one of the leading causes of IBS.
Think about the foods that you have been consuming and move to an ‘IBS diet’ which involves the reduction or elimination of specific types of trigger foods. In particular, certain carbs are known to trigger IBS flare-ups more frequently. These are commonly found in starchy foods like rye and wheat, dairy, and certain fruits and vegetables.
Being able to identify food intolerances will help you in figuring out which foods to cut and enhance your chances of IBS symptom relief.
Do I Have IBS?
Discovering the food intolerances at the core of the IBS is the first step to seeking relief. At www.allergytest.co you can conduct a comprehensive food intolerance test. This test includes an analysis of 63 of your diet’s most common food intolerances. Within a week, a blood test that samples raised IgG4 antibodies can give you accurate results and get you closer to easing your symptoms. Raised IgG4 antibodies are an indicator that your body may have a sensitivity or intolerance to certain foods. Consumption of said foods could be giving you a delayed reaction. Symptoms can begin to set in within hours or even days after the offending food is concerned, so the trigger foods might be challenging to diagnose. Once you are aware of the potential causes, you can begin your IBS diet to achieve relief.
