Understanding and Managing Irritable Bowel Syndrome in the UK: Expert Insights and Tips

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) receives a lot of attention in the UK, as it is the most common disorder of the gastrointestinal tract.

It is estimated that up to a third of the population experiences symptoms related to IBS, according to Guts UK.

This widespread event underscores the importance of understanding and addressing the challenges of this condition, both for individuals affected and for healthcare professionals seeking support and provide management strategies.

For this reason, Dr Alexis Messick, GP at UK Meds, urges taking care of gut health and the need to treat irritable bowel syndrome. According to what was reported by the website “gloucestershirelive”.

What is irritable bowel syndrome?

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a chronic medical condition that causes a person to have stomach upset, especially with certain foods.

Although the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome are different; However, it mainly includes diarrhea, constipation, gas, bloating, and stomach cramps, and it can be controlled and reduced by using effective medications for irritable bowel syndrome.

Each person is different, so it is important for each patient to learn about their symptoms and patterns, perhaps by keeping a diary.

What causes irritable bowel syndrome?

The exact cause of IBS is still unknown, although it is linked to things like food passing through the intestines at the wrong rate, stress, hypersensitivity in the intestinal nerves or a family history of the condition.

Some studies suggest that the reason the colon is so sensitive is that the muscles spasm instead of producing slow, rhythmic movements. Although another theory claims that it is all related to chemicals produced by the body, including serotonin and gastrin, and how they affect the signal between the digestive system and the brain.

Irritable bowel syndrome is also more common in women than in men, which has led some to believe that hormones play a role, but studies have yet to support this.

Because the cause is difficult to identify, there is no specific test a doctor can perform to diagnose it, but due to the similarity of symptoms, he or she will first perform tests to rule out conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and celiac disease.

How do I treat irritable bowel syndrome?

Although there is no one-size-fits-all treatment, almost everyone with IBS can find a solution that works for them.

These medications may not cure irritable bowel syndrome, but some IBS medications can be used to effectively treat it, reduce symptoms, and allow you to continue with your normal daily life.

A big part of living with irritable bowel syndrome and managing the condition is knowing your triggers. These symptoms vary greatly from person to person and include everything from foods and medications to stress. Knowing these things and avoiding them as much as possible will greatly reduce the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome.

And if you have IBS, whatever the cause, it’s also wise to be careful with your diet. This means cooking home-cooked meals with fresh ingredients, avoiding spicy, fatty or highly processed foods, and being careful with fresh fruit, tea and coffee.

What foods trigger irritable bowel syndrome?

Milk

Many people with IBS are lactose intolerant, which means that eating foods that contain dairy products can make symptoms worse and cause diarrhea.

Fortunately, it is easy to find lactose-free alternatives to most (if not all) dairy products that you may use when cooking.

Garlic and onions

These two food ingredients form the basis of most great recipes. However, it may be difficult for the intestines to digest them, which can cause gas and painful cramps. This is usually worse when eaten raw. Although it is cooked it is still a stimulus for those who suffer from irritable bowel syndrome.

gluten

Gluten is a protein found in many different grains (such as wheat, rye, and barley), and many IBS patients also have gluten intolerance.

Fortunately, there are many gluten-free options available now so you don’t have to restrict your diet too much, just be careful to check food labels or menus and choose gluten-free food.

What foods should patients with irritable bowel syndrome eat?

For people with IBS, everyday food doesn’t have to be a minefield.

For this reason, experts recommend following a low FODMAP diet to avoid trigger symptoms (FODMAPs are oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols) because they get their name from several different carbohydrates , because the diet aims to eat long chain carbohydrates that your body can absorb and digest properly. This doesn’t mean you can’t eat fruits, vegetables, grains, proteins and anything else you like. But it’s just a matter of making smarter choices to improve your symptoms. If changing your diet doesn’t help, IBS medications should be able to.