Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a highly prevalent gastrointestinal disorder, affecting up to 13 million people in the UK alone.
But, you may have been confused if the IBS you experience seems to be a world away form the IBS that you read about, or that others around you suffer from.
The reason for this is actually surprisingly simple. IBS is not simply one disease but a mixture of different of different conditions.
Due to this variation, IBS is often subtypes based upon symptoms – so what subtype do you fall into?
Frequently, the initial recommendations of lifestyle and dietary advice may be similar regardless of subtype, and includes advice such as cooking homemade meals (with fresh ingredients), keeping a food diary to identify potential triggers, and exercising.
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What type of IBS do you have? Different symptoms require specific diet and treatment
IBS is not simply one disease but a mixture of different of different conditions
On the other hand, excessive fizzy or alcoholic drinks consumption should be avoided, fresh fruit should be limited to 3 portions per day and you should not skip meals.
In cases where medical treatment is provided, this would typically be tailored to treat the specific IBS subtype. But, patients can switch between subtypes, making treatment more challenging.
Dr Davinder Garcia, Medical Advisor at Bio-Kult, lists the difference between the IBS subtypes:
IBS-C: Individuals in this group are predominantly constipated. This results in stools that are hard for more than 25 per cent of bowel movements, with loose stools seen in less than 25 per cent of bowel movements.
IBS-D: This comprises of people who have predominantly diarrhoeal symptoms. This involves stools that are loose for more than 25 per cent of bowel movements, and hard for less than 25 per cent of bowel movements.
IBS-A (aka IBS-M): In this subtype, individuals have alternating (or mixed) diarrhoeal and constipatory symptoms whereby more than 25 per cent of bowel movements are hard stools, and more than 25 per cent are loose stools.
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IBS is often subtypes based upon symptoms
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IBS symptoms: For constipatory symptoms eat more fibre – such as vegetables
Knowing this information, how can we manage the various types of IBS?
There are a number of ways we can help ourselves, according to Dr Garcia.
He said: “A common trait of IBS is to lose the pattern of regular bowel habits, due to either constipation or diarrhoea. Bowel retraining is a method to help your body empty its bowels on a regular basis, and this often involves ensuring patiently sitting on the toilet in a relaxed state at a routine time. In the case of constipation, try not to strain. In the case of diarrhoea, resist the initial urge to empty bowels for a few minutes, to gain bowel control. After a few weeks, the impact of bowel retraining should come through.
“For constipatory symptoms, increasing fibre may help to soften stool, thereby making it easier to pass. Foods rich in fibre include wholemeal breads, vegetables and beans. Supplements containing the fibre-rich psyllium husk, such as Lepicol, can also help in maintaining normal bowel transit.
“Probiotics are good bacteria, and these might help to correct any problems with the resident good bacteria in your gut (your gut microflora). Try a multi-strain probiotic such as Bio-Kult Advanced 14-strain for a month and see if that helps your symptoms. Scientific evidence has shown its effectiveness at improving symptoms in IBS-D sufferers.”
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IBS symptoms: Stress and anxiety are known to coincide with IBS symptoms
Dr Garcia says peppermint oil has been shown to improve overall IBS symptoms as well as specifically improving the cardinal symptom of abdominal pain. It does this by reducing by reducing gastrointestinal muscle spasms and its anti-inflammatory properties.
Relaxing is also another one of his recommendations.
Stress and anxiety are known to coincide with IBS symptoms, and controlling stress helps to reduce these symptoms.
Adopt relaxation techniques such as deep breathing combined with aromatherapy and calming music (think of the music you hear when you go for a massage), as well as mindfulness meditation, which involves focusing on the present. Start by focusing on your breathing movements, before expanding your thoughts around you slowly.
Dr Garcia said: “So don’t worry, it’s not uncommon to have different symptoms with your IBS than others seem to have, and there are a number of ways you can try to help yourself depending on your symptoms.
“With gastrointestinal disorders, it is always important to discuss symptoms with your GP, so that they can be make an informed diagnosis of the type of IBS that you may have, or whether it is a different condition altogether.”
Jacqueline Baker, 58, said she cured her IBS symptoms by taking Alflorex food supplements everyday.
