What is Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) ?

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common gastrointestinal disorder related to the stomach and intestines, affecting millions of people worldwide and rapidly increasing in numbers.  It’s characterized by a group of symptoms that occur together, including repeated pain in the abdomen and changes in bowel movements. It is often described as a functional disorder, meaning that it affects how the gastrointestinal tract works rather than causing structural abnormalities.

Individuals with IBS experiences abdominal pain and discomfort from time to time and can be triggered by several factors. Depending on the type of IBS, they also come with altered bowel movements such as diarrhea, constipation or even both. These bowel movements can sometimes be unpredictable hence causing problems and inconvenience for individuals.

The exact cause of IBS remains unclear. Several factors contribute to its development, such as stress, anxiety, abnormal intestine muscle contraction, imbalance microbiome in gut, or even food sensitivity arising from certain foods such as dairy products. 

Managing IBS can be difficult as you will need to slowly identify triggering foods or environment to avoid it. Techniques such as meditation and approach to destress can have a positive influence on IBS. Medications may also be prescribed to alter bowel activity and manage symptoms. Specific probiotics strain such as Bifidobacterium longum W11 can also be used to deal with IBS symptoms.