A specific cause has yet to be identified

In my previous post, I defined IBS and described the four types and the associated symptoms of each.

Frustratingly for those suffering with IBS, a specific cause has yet to be identified. However, gastroenterologists have identified several factors they believe are involved in the development and maintenance of IBS.

10 factors involved in maintaining IBS

1. Incomplete and/or inaccurate information is being sent along the ‘gut-brain axis.’ There is a constant two-way flow of information along this axis that helps ensure normal gut functioning.

2. One consequence of a breakdown in communication along the gut-brain axis is that the movement of food and waste through the digestive system becomes either too fast (results in diarrhea) or too slow (results in constipation).

3. Visceral Hypersensitivity. An increased sensitivity of the nerves in the gut’s lining. For instance, a person experiencing IBS is more likely to feel, and notice, normal activity in the gut (perhaps gurgling as food moves along) than someone without IBS.

4. Sensitivity to certain food types. What you eat has a big impact on your IBS symptoms. Certain foods known as high-FODMAP foods can cause a flare-up in IBS symptoms.

5. A change in the composition of the gut microbiota (the ‘friendly bacteria’ living in the gut). These microorganisms play a vital role in helping us digest our food and keeping them healthy and in the right balance is crucial for overall and digestive health.

6. Small Intestine Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO). SIBO occurs when there is an abnormal increase in the overall bacterial population in the small intestine — particularly types of bacteria not commonly found in that part of the digestive tract.

7. Chronic activation of the survival response (aka stress response). When we activate our survival response regularly throughout the day in response to real or perceived threats, not only do we experience stress, but we also disrupt the normal functioning of our digestive system.

8. Hormonal imbalances can play havoc with the digestive tract, too. For instance, for women, having too much estrogen is linked to bloating, a common symptom of IBS.

9. Mental health conditions like anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder.

10. It’s thought that there is a genetic component. People diagnosed with IBS frequently report a family history of IBS, ranging from 33% to 42%.

What can you do to address these factors?

There are several treatment options available and these fall into three categories: medication, dietary changes and psychological interventions (including gut directed hypnotherapy). Usually, an IBS treatment strategy combines elements of each category for the best effect.

Questions?

If you would like to know more about IBS and gut directed hypnotherapy, simply send me a message with your question(s) and I'll provide the answer(s).

Thanks for reading - Tony