Although irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is one of the most common intestinal disorders worldwide, it often goes unrecognized—an invisible burden that nevertheless has a significant impact on the lives of those affected. According to estimates, in Germany alone, about 11 million people struggle daily with the challenges of this intestinal disorder.
In irritable bowel syndrome, the bowel behaves like an irritated person—it reacts more sensitively and with greater sensitivity than usual. It is believed that people with IBS have a greater number of pain receptors in the gut, which causes the gut nervous system to become overstimulated and leads to disruptions in natural bowel movements . However, it is not yet clear whether this hypersensitivity is the cause or a consequence of other factors, such as intestinal inflammation.
In this blog post, we’ll dive into the world of irritable bowel syndrome and explore its potential causes and symptoms. We’ll also provide you with valuable tips that can help you enjoy life “to the fullest” despite this often difficult challenge.
The Search for the Causes: Possible Triggers of Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Irritable bowel syndrome is considered a multifactorial condition influenced by a variety of factors. In addition to hypersensitive intestinal nerves, there are various other factors associated with IBS symptoms:
- Imbalance in the Gut Microbiome: Our gut microbiome is the foundation of a properly functioning digestive tract. A long-term imbalance can damage the intestinal mucosa, making it permeable to pathogens. As a result, people with irritable bowel syndrome have more immune cells in the gut, which in turn irritate the enteric nervous system.
- Diet: In particular, foods high in FODMAPs (FODMAP = fermentable sugars and alcohols) are suspected of exacerbating irritable bowel syndrome symptoms, but more on that later.
- Food Intolerances: In the case of a food intolerance or allergy, the immune system is under constant strain , making it harder to fight off existing illnesses.
- Stress: Chronic stress causes important bodily functions, such as digestion, to slow down. This makes it easier for various diseases, such as irritable bowel syndrome, to develop.
- Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth: In this condition, bacteria from the large intestine enter the small intestine and trigger irritable bowel syndrome symptoms.
Previous gastrointestinal infection: Many cases of irritable bowel syndrome are caused by a previous infection (post-infectious irritable bowel syndrome) or antibiotic use.
What is irritable bowel syndrome? These are the typical symptoms
The typical symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome are digestive problems such as diarrhea, constipation, bloating, nausea, and cramps or pain in the gastrointestinal tract .
Based on the symptoms, RDS is classified into 4 subtypes:
- Constipation (Obstipation): infrequent bowel movements, feeling of incomplete bowel evacuation
- Diarrhea (Diarrhea): loose, often mucous-containing stools
- Bloating: Bloated stomach, feeling of fullness, too much air in the intestines
- Pain: dull, cramping, burning, pulling, or stabbing pain in the intestines or abdomen, often accompanied by headaches or muscle pain
Often, the symptoms overlap or alternate—the latter being particularly common with diarrhea and constipation . Chronic fatigue, exhaustion, depression, and anxiety can also accompany irritable bowel syndrome.
What does stool look like in cases of irritable bowel syndrome?
The appearance of the stool depends entirely on the type of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) present. If a person with IBS experiences constipation, the stool can be very dark and hard . Many people even compare its appearance to sheep droppings. This is because, during constipation, stool moves through the intestines more slowly than usual. As a result, the intestines have more time to absorb water from the feces , which explains the hard consistency and dark color
In contrast, diarrhea is usually characterized by light-colored and very soft to liquid, sometimes even mucous-like stools . In this case, the intestine absorbs less water than usual, which is why more water is present in the stool . Many people affected also report a strong, unpleasant odor in their stool.
However, blood in the stool is a sign of a serious illness: It is essential to see a doctor in this case.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome in Women: Specific Symptoms and Possible Hormonal Influences
Studies have shown that women are twice as likely to be affected by IBS as men. The most common symptoms in women are constipation, a bloated abdomen, and cramps.
The nature and severity of symptoms can change throughout the menstrual cycle. For example, some women report more severe symptoms just before and during their period. In particular, they seem to find abdominal pain, cramps, and bloating especially uncomfortable or painful during this time.
One possible explanation for this could be the hormonal fluctuations that occur throughout the menstrual cycle. Progesterone and estrogen, in particular, affect bowel movements and can thus trigger or worsen various symptoms.
Often, these symptoms are misdiagnosed and mistaken for “typical” menstrual cramps, which is why those affected do not associate them with irritable bowel syndrome at all.
Relieving Symptoms: What Helps with Irritable Bowel Syndrome?
There are various remedies that have proven effective for irritable bowel syndrome. Many people with irritable bowel syndrome report that herbal ingredients help soothe their gastrointestinal tract. Chamomile, fennel, caraway, anise, and peppermint (as tea or oil for rubbing) are particularly popular. Herbal bitter compounds , which are found in highly concentrated form in Pro Intest , can also help with bloating and stimulate digestion.
To support your gut flora, probiotic bacterial cultures are the best choice. Pro EM san provides you with a high number and variety of these beneficial gut microbes, as well as valuable polyphenols.
In addition, it may be beneficial to take specific nutrients that help build up your intestinal mucosa, such as L-glutamine, lecithin, B vitamins, and polyphenols like quercetin, which are found in Pro Mucosa .
In addition, you could incorporate daily relaxation exercises such as yoga, meditation, or walks in the woods. Mindful eating with appropriate portion sizes and enough breaks is also helpful , because eating hurriedly and in large quantities can put additional strain on your digestive system.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome and Diet: Which Foods Are Good, and Which Are Bad?
It is believed that, in particular, FODMAP-rich foods contribute to irritable bowel syndrome symptoms . FODMAP stands for fermentable oligo-, di-, and monosaccharides, as well as polyols—that is, fermentable complex, disaccharides, and monosaccharides, as well as polyols. These are often not well absorbed by the intestine and therefore lead to symptoms.
Here is a table listing foods that are suitable or less suitable for people with irritable bowel syndrome. Please note that these are general recommendations and food tolerance can vary from person to person.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome Diet:
| Suitable Foods | Less Suitable Foods | |
|---|---|---|
| Sources of Carbohydrates | finely ground grains, potatoes, buckwheat, oats, quinoa, millet, psyllium, rice | whole-grain products, wheat, rye, spelt, couscous, bulgur |
| Vegetables | Eggplant, zucchini, spinach, squash, carrots, parsnips, sprouts, fennel, bell peppers, tomatoes | Artichokes, many varieties of beans, lentils, and cabbage, chickpeas, garlic, onions |
| Fruit | Pineapple, banana, citrus fruits, strawberries, blueberries, melon, kiwi, papaya | Apple, apricot, pear, mango, nectarine, peach, plum |
| Meat and Fish | Fish and seafood, chicken, turkey, game | high-fat, breaded, and deep-fried meat |
| Milk / Milk Alternatives | Oat milk or coconut milk | dairy products high in lactose |
