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Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Navigating Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): A Holistic Approach to Feeling Better

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a common functional gastrointestinal disorder characterized by recurrent abdominal pain or discomfort associated with altered bowel habits. These changes can manifest as diarrhea, constipation, or a combination of both, often accompanied by bloating and gas. IBS is a functional abnormality, where your gut isn’t working as smoothly as it should. For some people, the symptoms aren't severe while for other its chronic and fluctuating nature can significantly impact their quality of life. At gCODE, we recognize the complex interplay of factors contributing to IBS and offer an integrative approach that combines modern understanding with the holistic principles of Ayurveda to provide personalized and lasting relief.

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What is Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)? Understanding the different ways it shows up

IBS isn't just one thing; it can show up in different ways, which doctors categorize into a few main types:
• IBS with Constipation (IBS-C): Where constipation is the main issue.
• IBS with Diarrhea (IBS-D): Where diarrhea is the more frequent problem.
• IBS with Mixed Bowel Patterns (IBS-M): Where you experience both constipation and diarrhea.
No matter the type, IBS can bring a mixed bag of intestinal symptoms, such as:
• Abdominal pain: That can range from mild to severe cramps.
• Excess Bloating and Gas: That uncomfortable feeling of fullness and trapped air.
• Changes in how often you pass stool: Going much more or less frequently than usual.
• Changes in stool form or appearance: It might be harder, looser, or just look different.
• Constipation: Difficulty passing stool.
• Diarrhea: Frequent, loose stools.
• Mucus in the stool: Which can sometimes be present.
• Feeling of incomplete voiding of stool: The sensation that you haven't fully emptied your bowels.

Interestingly, IBS can also show up with other symptoms that don't seem directly related to your gut, like:
• Migraine Headaches
• Sleep Disturbances
• Anemia
• Anxiety and Depression
• Fibromyalgia

What Causes IBS? - Exploring the Multifaceted Underlying Factors

The exact etiology of IBS remains elusive in modern medicine, but a combination of factors is believed to contribute to its development and manifestation:

  1. Food Sensitivities and Intolerances
  2. Gut-Brain Axis Dysfunction
  3. Gut Microbiota Dysbiosis
  4. Visceral Hypersensitivity
  5. Altered Gut Motility
  6. Low-Grade Inflammation

Food Sensitivities and Intolerances

While food doesn't cause IBS, certain foods are notorious for triggering symptoms. But here's the tricky part: what bothers one person might be totally fine for another. That's why working with a gCODE doctor to figure out your personal trigger foods is so important. Some common trigger foods are:

  1. Gluten - Wheat and barley are the most common sources in our diet
  2. Dairy – Lactose intolerance is common among IBS patients
  3. High FODMAP foods - Certain fruits, vegetables, and sweeteners fall into this category.
  4. Alcohol - Can irritate your gut, and beer might be extra problematic because of gluten
  5. Caffieine – found in coffee, tea, sodas, and energy drinks can stimulate your bowels.
  6. Fatty foods – can worsen symptoms
  7. Spicy & Citrus food – can be tirggers for some.

Gut-Brain Axis Dysfunction

This bidirectional communication pathway between the brain and the gut is often implicated in IBS. Stress, anxiety, and other psychological factors can significantly influence gut motility and sensitivity, and vice versa.

Gut Microbiota Dysbiosis

Alterations in the composition and function of the gut microbiome are frequently observed in individuals with IBS.

Visceral Hypersensitivity

Individuals with IBS often experience heightened sensitivity to normal gut sensations, leading to pain and discomfort at lower levels of distension or motility.

Altered Gut Motility

The muscles of the intestines may contract too quickly (leading to diarrhea) or too slowly (leading to constipation) in individuals with IBS.

Low-Grade Inflammation

While not overt, some individuals with IBS may have subtle levels of inflammation in the gut lining.

Post-Infectious IBS

In some cases, IBS symptoms can develop after a bout of acute gastrointestinal infection.

Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO)

A condition with excessive amount of bacteria in the small intestine that can lead to fermentation of carbohydrates, producing gas, bloating, and altered bowel habits.

Ayurvedic Perspective

In Ayurveda, IBS can be understood through the lens of Grahani Roga, a condition involving impaired digestion and absorption. Factors like irregular eating habits, consumption of dry, cold, and processed foods, stress, and emotional imbalances are considered key etiological factors in aggravating Vata (Vata, the bio-energy governing movement and nerve impulses) and disrupting Agni (digestive fire), leading to Grahani Roga.

Risk Factors and Complications Associated with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

While anyone can get IBS, you might be more susceptible if:
• You are under 50 years old.
• You are female.
• You had a bad case of the stomach flu recently.
• Have a family history of IBS.
• Experienced a lot of stress early in life.
• Have History of Food Poisoning or Gut Infections.
• You have anxiety or depression.

Modern medicine is still trying to understand IBS better but patients with its chronic symptoms have reported significant compromise with:
• Reduced quality of life.
• Increased anxiety and depression.
• Social limitations and difficulties in daily activities.
• Increased healthcare utilization and costs.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

Best Practices to Manage Symptoms

Management of IBS focuses on alleviating symptoms and improving quality of life. This often involves a multi-faceted approach:

  1. Dietary Modifications: Identifying and avoiding trigger foods, such as high-FODMAP foods, gluten, dairy, and processed foods. Ayurveda emphasizes a balanced diet tailored to the individual's Prakriti (constitution) and the current Dosha imbalance.
  2. Lifestyle Management: Stress reduction techniques (yoga, meditation, mindfulness), regular exercise, and ensuring adequate sleep. Keeping an activity diary can also help you track what works.
  3. Medications & Probiotics: In some cases, symptom management through medications and certain probiotic strains may help.

When to Seek Medical Attention?

IBS may significantly impact patient’s quality of life. It’s important to consult a healthcare professional if you experience persistent IBS-like symptoms.

How is IBS Diagnosed?

Conventional diagnosis of IBS is primarily based on clinical criteria (Rome IV criteria), which involve a detailed history of symptoms and physical examination. Ruling out other organic causes of gastrointestinal symptoms through tests like blood work, stool studies, endoscopy or colonoscopy is also part of the diagnostic process.

Conventional Treatment and Limitations

Conventional treatment often focuses on managing symptoms with medications and general dietary advice. While these can offer some relief, they may not address the underlying dysregulation and can be frustrating in the long run. A more holistic approach aims to identify and address the root factors contributing to the altered gut function and visceral sensitivity.
At gCODE, we know that what works for one person with IBS might not work for another. We combine advanced diagnostics with your gut type and natural remedies for lasting relief, integrating both modern science and Ayurvedic principles. Our approach begins with your gut profiling and a comprehensive in-depth symptom assessment, medical history, lifestyle, stress levels, and dietary habits. Your doctor may advise gut microbiome testing to identify specific imbalances and food sensitivity testing to pinpoint individual triggers. From an Ayurvedic perspective, we analyze your Prakriti and any imbalances that might be contributing to your IBS. Then, they develop a personalized treatment plan that considers your unique Prakriti, diet, lifestyle, and the crucial gut-brain connection, often incorporating Ayurvedic herbs known to pacify Vata and support healthy digestion, in combination with dietary and lifestyle modifications including stress management techniques.

Access the best gut expert doctors from the comfort of your home and recover under their continued guidance.

Reclaim Your Gut Health: Finding Harmony and Relief from IBS with Personalized gCODE Solutions

Living with IBS can be challenging, but it doesn't have to define your life. At gCODE, we empower you with the knowledge, expert care, and personalized solutions rooted in both modern science and Ayurvedic wisdom to address the root causes of your IBS, restore balance to your gut, and experience lasting relief and improved well-being.

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