If you are repeatedly suffering from sudden abdominal pain or cramps associated with diarrhea, constipation, or bloated digestive tract and examinations have not revealed an organic cause or food intolerance, it may be a disorder that, according to statistics, affects up to one-sixth of the population.
Not for nothing; they say the intestines are our second brain, thanks to a high concentration of neurons. Also, because of such sensitivity, they do not stay out of the way when we feel discomfort. It is a vicious circle: Being nervous from regular irritation further increases the frequency and intensity of unpleasant processes in the digestive tract.
The Three Basic Types of IBS
There are approximately 100 trillion bacteria in the gut. If they are in symbiosis with the body, we will not get sick. However, even in a clinically normal state of health, impaired microflora can negatively impact the brain, which in turn causes IBS.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) has three basic types, according to the predominant symptom: loose stools, constipation, or bloating. However, a combination of these manifestations can also occur. The incentive to find a specialist—first of all, of course, a gastroenterologist—is noticeably inharmonious digestion at least three times a month and already a quarter of a year.
Reduced Self-esteem and Depression
IBS causes inhibitions to leave the house in the morning, travel longer distances, go to the cinema… It affects relationships, regular personal activities, and professional life. To an extreme extent, it gradually renders a person dysfunctional in terms of social ties and interactions with the environment, reduces self-esteem, and leads to depression.
Therefore, after diagnosing this disorder, it is not advisable to be reluctant to go to a psychologist to make a comprehensive effort for improvement. People with IBS tend to be neurotic, impulsive, and moody, but also emotionally unstable. They tend to feel and show negative emotions (fear, hostility, morality). Migraines, chronic fatigue, and sleep disorders are also associated with this diagnosis.
Two-thirds Are Reluctant
Although irritable bowel syndrome as a psychosomatic issue does not directly cause permanent damage to health and does not increase the risk of cancer, it can significantly reduce the quality of life for the above “operational” reasons and due to behavioral and perception anomalies. Statistics show that up to two-thirds of the disabled consider it embarrassing or unnecessary to go to the doctor with such a “banality.”
Also, two-thirds of the diagnosed are women, most often in the age group of 20-30 years. However, the disorder also affects children and adolescents: it has a 10% incidence.
The survey, which involved 514 Slovaks, showed that only 17.8% of men and 13.4% of women do not know about digestive problems. The most significant triggers are travel to work or school (14.5%), holidays away from home (12%), and sports (9%).
The Four Pillars of Mitigation
In therapy, it is essential to focus on the causes in the long term, not to suddenly address acute manifestations with activated charcoal or laxatives. Mitigating the negative impacts of IBS has four commonly cited pillars.
Eliminating stress factors, including establishing a more balanced work-life balance, is the primary support. Movement is no less important, but you should consult experts.
They should also be consulted about dietary adjustments. For example, when running, it is recommended to limit dairy products, sparkling beverages, plums, and other fruits with a laxative effect, cauliflower and other vegetables that cause flatulence, spices, and fatty foods. In addition, appropriate probiotics (such as Saccharomyces boulardii yeast in the mentioned diarrhea) help to restore the disturbed intestinal microflora according to the type of disorder.
Text: Miki Kočan ml., photos: unsplash.com
