What is IBS?
What is IBS?
Irritable Bowel Syndrome, more commonly known as IBS, is an illness that gets thrown around a lot nowadays, but it’s not something that is well understood.
IBS affects the large intestine and, while fairly common, does not always present with significant symptoms. This, combined with the fact that symptoms can often be managed with changes in diet, lifestyle, and stress, is good news for the 10%-15% of the global population that suffers from the disease.
IBS Symptoms
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Abdominal pain/cramping/bloating that is typically relieved with a bowel movement
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Increased gas passing
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Alternating constipation and diarrhea
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Mucusy stool
Luckily, while these symptoms are obviously never fun, having IBS does not affect the tissue of the bowel or increase one’s risk for colon cancer.
Diagnosing IBS
While there is no definitive way to get an official IBS diagnosis, doctors will likely come to a diagnosis based on symptomology. It is worth noting that doctors will need to rule out more serious conditions before diagnosing IBS.
Signs to Watch Out For
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Symptom onset after age 50
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Significant weight loss
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Fever
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Rectal bleeding
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Nausea or recurrent vomiting
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Abdominal pain that is not resolved with a bowel movement
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Persistent diarrhea that awakens you from sleep
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Anemia related to low iron
https://www.besthealthmag.ca/best-eats/digestion/ibs-symptoms/
Living with IBS
While IBS is sometimes thought of a condition that affects older people, most people with IBS are actually under the age of 50. One would think that because it affects so many people, an IBS cure would be available. Unfortunately, there is no direct cure for IBS; The best that modern medicine can offer is help in managing symptoms.
Fortunately, we can recommend more than a few ways to help control symptoms and live the most normal life you can!
IBS Treatment
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Keep note of foods that trigger flare-ups and try to avoid them
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Eat foods that are high in fiber
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Drink plenty of fluid
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Exercise regularly
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Get all the sleep you need
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Manage Stress
Here at Thrive, our certified Functional Medicine (IFM) providers are accustomed to treating complex and intertwined health issues like IBS from a functional and preventative standpoint. Allow Thrive to play an integral part in your journey to optimal health and wellness in 2019!
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