Few people understand the gastrointestinal tract, and that's okay because we're not all doctors. The most important factor to bear in mind is that we're all uniquely designed, and certain foods trigger different responses on our digestive systems.
Even medical professionals have yet to isolate the actual cause of irritable bowel syndrome, but what we do know is that it is a gastrointestinal disorder that causes an inconvenient and uncomfortable feeling in the stomach. This normally happens after consuming certain foods and beverages and it may continue for extended periods.
Symptoms of IBS
Something as vague as irritable bowel syndrome definitely has its fair share of a broad range of symptoms that will and can present differently on different occasions. So what do the symptoms look like? These include but are not limited to:
Bloatedness is again associated with a variety of conditions, but generally healthier people that struggle with IBS are able to isolate this as a cause. The effects of a bloated stomach can vary throughout the day, and symptoms may worsen after meals.
This is one of the most common IBS symptoms and presents as a strong and unexpected urge to vacate the bowels. It can be embarrassing but it is important to note that your body loses vital nutrients as result, and these need to be replenished once the attack has passed.
We understand that it can be quite hard to believe that IBS can cause both diarrhea and constipation, but as we've said, this is a condition that's yet to be fully understood. You may find that one bout of IBS will cause diarrhea, and in the next breath, you are constipated.
Or different episodes present with the opposite symptom. Be wary of taking any harsh laxatives if you experience constipation and rather try to consume more fiber.
IBS is painful for most sufferers, although not all experience pain. Again, even the levels and type of pain will differ from person to person and between different episodes. This pain may be sharp or dull and can be triggered by stress and specific foods.
Incontinence is also a rare symptom of irritable but it can arise as a result of the extra pressure on the bladder. In addition to this, you will want to pay attention to any feeling of pain within the bladder itself, and, since this is a less common symptom, we advise seeking medical attention as soon as possible.
Causes of IBS
There is no single cause of IBS, but extensive research has indicated that flare-ups could be triggered by various factors such as caffeine, stress, and certain foods. The more often you experience flare-ups, the more sensitive your system becomes.
It is a great idea to keep a food journal and record what you've eaten or drunk. This way you're able to identify common triggers and work through a process of elimination to try and ease future episodes.
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