Numerous individuals afflicted with IBS would willingly sacrifice 10 to 15 years of their life expectancy for an immediate remedy for their ailment.
These findings are based on a study involving nearly 2,000 individuals suffering from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).1
In alternate research, individuals with IBS stated they would consider a medication that posed a one percent chance of sudden death if it could alleviate their symptoms2—which may encompass urgent diarrhea, bloating, or chronic constipation.
Some individuals experiencing IBS report abdominal discomfort that they claim is more intense than childbirth. Such episodes can distract focus, disturb sleep, and diminish work effectiveness.3
Consequently, many IBS sufferers schedule their lives around the accessibility of private, hygienic restrooms. The dread of an unexpected flare-up prompts some to steer clear of dining out, social events, or even engaging in public exercise.
This pervasive anxiety is known as—gastrointestinal-specific anxiety—and it can influence everything from personal relationships to general health. It is also the primary reason individuals with IBS report a lower quality of life compared to those with other chronic illnesses such as heart disease, diabetes, and advanced kidney disease.4
If you or someone you know is dealing with IBS, there are strategies to manage it.
PN Super Coach Sarah Maughan, certified by Monash University—a leading global authority on the connection between food sensitivities and IBS—has observed how lifestyle modifications can avert flare-ups, alleviate GI-related anxiety, and empower individuals with IBS to enjoy fulfilling lives.
“I aspire for everyone grappling with IBS to recognize that various options exist, whether that involves seeking medication from a doctor and/or collaborating with a health coach to learn about lifestyle adaptations and how to implement them,” Maughan states.
In this article, we will gain further insights from Maughan. Additionally, you will discover:
- What IBS entails, including the reasons it occurs and the various forms it can take
- What your stool reveals about the wellness of your digestive system
- Five research-supported lifestyle adjustments that can alleviate IBS symptoms
- The optimal approach to identify which foods trigger IBS symptoms for you or your clients (as well as which foods are generally “safe” to consume)
Moreover, if you are a health coach, you will learn how to assist clients with IBS while remaining safely within your professional boundaries.
So, what is IBS?
Often called “spastic colon,” IBS is the most frequently diagnosed digestive disorder globally, impacting approximately 14 percent of adults.5
In contrast to Crohn’s disease and other inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), IBS does not change the structure of the gut. When healthcare experts utilize diagnostic imaging, they find no signs of infections, inflammation, bowel wall damage, or other disease indicators.
Years ago, this absence of visible disease led many healthcare practitioners to conclude that IBS was solely psychological. More recently, however, this perspective has evolved.
Now, experts recognize IBS as a functional neuro-gastrointestinal disorder.
This implies that the nerves connecting the GI tract and brain do not operate optimally, prompting the brain to send unnecessary pain signals and disrupt normal bowel function.
What are the symptoms of IBS?
IBS symptoms can vary in intensity, with some individuals enjoying months or years of relief only to endure a severe flare-up lasting from hours to weeks.
Additionally, not all individuals with IBS exhibit the same symptoms, complicating diagnosis.
The illustration below depicts the spectrum of IBS symptoms.
What triggers IBS?
Researchers are still attempting to comprehend why the gut behaves differently in those with IBS. Nonetheless, a few theories have emerged.
One theory suggests that the nerves within the GI tract may be hypersensitive in IBS patients. This can result in two distinct symptom sets.
▶ Hypersensitive nerves transmit pain signals to the brain, causing individuals with IBS to perceive digestive processes that others would not notice. Small gas bubbles may