6 Causes of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

Irritable bowel syndrome: Causes, symptoms, treatment or tips to cure IBS |  Health - Hindustan Times

You know how frustrating it can be to suffer from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). From chronic abdominal pain to debilitating constipation and diarrhea, this condition can make your life miserable. You may even feel isolated or embarrassed by your symptoms, but millions suffer from IBS, too. So what causes IBS? Here are the top five culprits that cause IBS — and what you can do about them!

  1. Gastrointestinal Parasites

Parasites are the most common cause of irritable bowel syndrome, accounting for up to 27% of cases. You can pick up parasites from contaminated food or water, but they can also live in your home or yard. It will help if you consider high hygiene standards when storing or handling food, especially before eating it. Please wash your hands thoroughly and cook raw meat thoroughly before consuming it.

If you have a pet, protecting them and yourself from zoonotic parasites is crucial by ensuring they are on an appropriate preventative program. Also, consider getting rid of any stagnant water that might be present on your property. You contact Prism Health Labs for tests and diagnosis if you develop symptoms such as fever, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, or abdominal pain.

  1. Poor Dietary Habits

A person’s diet can significantly impact their health, so it is essential to ensure that you eat a balanced and healthy diet. Eating too many processed foods, eating insufficient fiber, or irregular eating habits can all lead to Irritable Bowel Syndrome.

Many people with irritable bowel syndrome have found that their symptoms are relieved by eliminating certain dietary habits or foods they are intolerant to. One standard treatment is the low-FODMAP diet, which removes all high-fermentable carbohydrates and sugar alcohols, including wheat. Dairy products can also be a trigger for IBS sufferers.

  1. Too Much Stress and Anxiety

One unexpected cause of IBS condition is stress and anxiety. When you’re anxious about something, your body releases more adrenaline than usual. That can make it difficult for you to digest food properly and increases gut-wrenching sensations like nausea and diarrhea. It may also lead to constipation and bloating. IBS is also sensitive to emotional states; studies show that people with higher levels of stress are three times more likely to develop the disorder.

  1. A Vitamin D Deficiency

Another notable cause of irritable bowel syndrome is vitamin D deficiency. Studies show that about 20% of people with IBS have insufficient levels of this essential nutrient. Vitamin D plays a vital role in immune function and inflammatory response and can help reduce abdominal pain, constipation, and diarrhea.

Supplementing with 1,000 IU of vitamin D will help improve your IBS symptoms and quality of life. You should see results within three to six months. However, consulting an experienced health professional for guidance and recommendations is crucial.

  1. Overuse of Antibiotics

Antibiotics are another common culprit for IBS flare-ups because they change the balance of bacteria in the gut by killing off some good bacteria while leaving behind harmful strains. Fortunately, antibiotics don’t always lead to long-term effects on the gut. If you stop taking them when they’re no longer necessary, you should be able to regain control over your digestion soon after.

However, you can help balance the friendly bacteria by consuming more probiotics, eating yogurt or fermented foods like kefir and kombucha, or drinking bone broth.

  1. A Low-Fiber Diet

One of the most common causes of IBS is a low-fiber diet, which leads to hard stools and infrequent bowel movements. Avoiding foods high in fiber could worsen your symptoms as it decreases the amount of water in the stool. In many cases of IBS, food passes through the intestines without proper digestion or absorption.

However, increasing dietary fiber can often remedy this issue by adding bulk to food to help it move more slowly through the GI tract – which also decreases bloating. That helps maintain healthy gut bacteria populations and alleviates constipation or diarrhea.

Conclusion

IBS is a complicated disorder with many potential causes and triggers. Suppose you have struggled with chronic abdominal pain, diarrhea, or constipation. In that case, it is worth undertaking a diagnostic lab test from a reliable medical lab and talking to your doctor about what might be causing them. Knowing the causes of irritable bowel syndrome can help prevent and tackle it if it does happen. Don’t hesitate to talk to your physician if you’re unsure about anything!

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