Table of Contents:
- Stress and IBS
- Medical Treatment for IBS
- Diet for IBS
- How can I heal my IBS naturally?
- Evinature’s Tips & Recommendations
IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) is a common condition impacting the digestive system. Symptoms generally consist of abdominal pain, cramps, bloating, diarrhea, constipation, or a combination of the two.
Research suggests several potential causes for IBS. A prominent theory is that IBS symptoms result from the body’s reaction to stress, indicating a disruption of the gut-brain axis. For this reason, treatment often focuses on stress relief along with lifestyle changes like diet and exercise.
Stress and IBS
Stress and anxiety are not just emotions, but physiological processes. When the brain identifies a potential stressor, it excretes hormones that instruct the body on how to react. Cortisol and Corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) are both implicated in IBS. As they are released in the brain, nerves connected to the rest of the body are activated to tell the heart to beat faster, the lungs to absorb more oxygen, and essentially prepare for running away or defending oneself from the threat.
Not every stimulus will cause the release of these specific hormones, nor does one stimulus itself mean that the body will suddenly experience high stress. Rather, these hormones build up over time in the body to create a concentration, and high concentrations of these hormones cause physiological symptoms in the body, including those of IBS.
Excessive production of cortisol, in particular, has been traced to IBS symptoms, as it activates glucocorticoid receptors in the digestive tract, leading to colon spasms and cramping.
Medical Treatment for IBS
There are three types of IBS, IBS-D (diarrhea prominent), IBS-C (constipation prominent), and IBS-M (a combination of diarrhea and constipation).
Depending on your type of IBS, your medical provider may prescribe a medical treatment to manage the symptoms. It’s important to be in regular contact with your doctor so they can measure your progress and make adjustments as needed.
For those with IBS-C or IBS-M, your doctor may prescribe over-the-counter laxatives to help with constipation and encourage bowel movements, as well as additional fiber supplements.
IBS-D patients may be prescribed an anti-diarrheal medication to slow down their bowel movements instead.
Research also suggests that certain types of antidepressant medication can help target IBS symptoms. TCAs, or tricyclic antidepressants, are an older class of antidepressants that repress pain signals sent from the brain to the gut, leading to less abdominal pain. In addition, TCAs can be taken for a longer period than most IBS-specific medications, as well as slow the overall process of digestion and excretion.
This makes it an excellent choice for IBS-D patients with moderate to severe IBS, as it decreases the frequency of their bowel movements while managing pain. However, patients should be aware of common side effects like dry mouth, nausea, and blurry vision.
For milder cases of IBS-D, SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors) can be used to regulate the amount of serotonin in the body, slowing bowel movements, and reducing pain and diarrhea. This type of medication also has fewer side effects than TCAs.
Diet for IBS
Maintaining a proper diet is essential to managing the symptoms of IBS. Taking note of which foods, called trigger foods, lead to an increase in severity or frequency of symptoms, can help patients avoid both the foods and their unpleasant consequences. Making sure to eat healthy, nutritious foods that promote digestion, such as foods high in fiber and low in processed sugars and fats, are the general recommendations for IBS patients, though individuals should investigate and find out what works best for them.
In the event of a flare-up or sudden increase in the severity of symptoms, giving your gut a break with a liquid diet can ease symptoms. After all, an overworked gut is more prone to pain; therefore, focusing on easy-to-digest liquids such as bone broth, pureed vegetable soups, and smoothies can give your intestines a hard-earned break from breaking down material. Slowly return to a solid diet with cooked vegetables, lean meats, and plenty of water and juices to aid digestion.
If symptoms persist, consider an elimination diet such as the Low FODMAPs program. In this dietary plan, consumption of fermented sugars is systematically decreased, and then foods are reintroduced one at a time to identify triggers. Many people have intolerances to different foods; therefore, working with a licensed nutritionist to identify and eliminate food triggers can reduce the frequency and severity of symptoms.
How can I heal my IBS naturally?
Countless studies suggest CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) benefits IBS patients as much – if not more so – than IBS-specific medications. Therefore, CBT therapy can provide both physical and emotional relief from IBS symptoms. Mediation has also been found to improve the balance and health of the gut microbiome, promoting more anti-inflammatory bacteria which may improve digestion.
Certain herbal compounds have been used for thousands of years for digestive symptoms associated with IBS due to their ability to naturally reduce inflammation, relieve pain, and regulate the digestive process.
Evinature’s Tips & Recommendations
Exercise, maintaining diet, and stress relief methods are all key components in treating IBS. It’s also important to ensure your treatment is tailored to fit your lifestyle and symptoms.
If you’re curious about trying herbal compounds for IBS, take our free online assessment for a tailored program that meets your personal needs.
Summer Pitocchelli-Schwartzman
