Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a functional bowel disorder characterized by chronic or recurrent abdominal pain associated with either relief or exacerbation by defecation, or a change in bowel habit.
IBS is one of the most widely recognized functional bowel disorders, with more than 10% of the global adult population. Socioeconomic status does not consistently correlate with the occurrence of IBS, although familial aggregation has been observed, indicating potential contributions from both genetic predisposition and sociocultural factors. IBS tends to be diagnosed more frequently in women. The condition occurs more commonly in younger adults, with a noticeable decline in prevalence after the age of 50.
Most patients can be classified, according to the predominant stool pattern they have, into IBS with diarrhoea, IBS with constipation, and those who have both diarrhoea and constipation, known as mixed-stool-pattern IBS. Despite its high prevalence and significant impact on quality of life, IBS often remains underdiagnosed or mismanaged. Abdominal pain in IBS is often related to defecation and can vary in location, character, and severity. Apart from disordered defecation in IBS bloating is a commonly associated symptom, but is not required for the diagnosis of IBS.
What are the causes for the occurrence of IBS?
The exact cause of IBS remains unknown; however, the following factors have been identified as contributing to its pathophysiology:
• Disordered gut-brain axis: Disorders of gut-brain interaction (DGBIs) primarily involve disruption of the gut-brain axis, which relies on complex signaling between the central (CNS) and enteric nervous systems (ENS) via neuronal, endocrine, immune, and metabolic pathways and is influenced by several factors, eg, genetics, diet, stress, and social factors.
• Visceral hypersensitivity: Patients with IBS often exhibit heightened visceral sensitivity due to increased signaling from intestinal receptors to the central nervous system (CNS) in response to stimuli, eg, gas distension.
• Gastrointestinal dysmotility: Patients with IBS may exhibit irregular contractions or transit delays, as seen in IBS with predominant constipation (IBS-C), or exaggerated motility, as seen in IBS with predominant diarrhea (IBS-D).
• Gut microbiota dysbiosis: Distinct alterations in microbiota have been linked to IBS subtypes.
• Food intolerances: Food intolerances have been reported in 20% to 65% of patients with IBS; however, objective evidence to suggest causation is often lacking, and various other factors may contribute.
• Low-grade mucosal inflammation: Lymphocyte infiltration and eosinophilia are commonly observed on histological examination, particularly in postinfectious and diarrhea-predominant cases.
• Altered intestinal permeability: Increased intestinal permeability, particularly in IBS-D, has been linked to diet, microbiome shifts, and mediators such as serotonin and proteases.
• Psychosocial factors: Psychological factors, eg, stress, can impact intestinal sensitivity, motility, and microbiota, thereby worsening IBS symptoms.
What are the symptoms?
IBS symptoms vary from person to person, and range from mild to severe. Most people have mild symptoms. You are said to have IBS when symptoms are present for at least 3 days a month for a period of 3 months or more.
• Abdominal pain and cramps • Gas • Abdominal Fullness • Bloating
Change in bowel habits. You can have either diarrhea (IBS-D), or constipation (IBS-C).
Pain and other symptoms will often be reduced or go away after a bowel movement. Symptoms may flare up when there is a change in the frequency of your bowel movements.
People with IBS may go back and forth between having constipation and diarrhea or have or mostly have one or the other.
If you have IBS with diarrhea, you will have frequent, loose, watery stools. You may have an urgent need to have a bowel movement, which may be hard to control.
The symptoms may get worse for a few weeks or a month, and then decrease for a while. In other cases, symptoms are present most of the time.
How Homeopathy Helps?
Relief from stress-induced digestive issues and IBS- Many intestinal problems, including IBS, are linked to stress and panic attacks. Homeopathic medicines are known to calm down extreme anxiety that indirectly helps relax the gut and restore normal motility.
Regulation of the gut-brain axis- Homeopathic medicines work on emotional balance, and Rock Rose specifically reduces acute panic states. Reducing sympathetic overdrive (fight-or-flight response) can help in conditions where panic causes intestinal hypermotility.
Reduces spasms triggered by fear- Extreme fear can lead to sudden abdominal tightening, cramps, or diarrhea. By calming that state, Homeopathic Medicines help lessen such symptoms.
Stimulates peristalsis- Homeopathic medicines act on the lower bowel, producing increased peristaltic movement and a strong urge to evacuate. This helps to relieve constipation in case of IBS-C.
Lifestyle changes that help in the management of IBS:
Foods to avoid: Identify and avoid trigger foods like fatty foods, caffeine, alcohol, carbonated drinks, and spicy dishes. Avoid foods that are hard to digest (like cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, brussels sprouts, beans and onions) and avoid products containing a sweetener called sorbitol.
Eating Patterns: Don’t skip meals, and try to eat at about the same time each day to help regulate bowel function. If you have diarrhea, you may find that eating small, frequent meals makes you feel better.
Fiber Management: Try slowly increasing the amount of fiber in your diet over a period of weeks with foods such as whole grains, fruits, vegetables and beans. A fiber supplement might cause less gas and bloating than fiber-rich foods.
Exercise and Physical Activity: Aim for 150 minutes of moderate exercise weekly. This is about 30 minutes a day, five days a week. Exercise helps relieve depression and stress, stimulates contractions of your intestines, and can help you feel better about yourself.
Regular sleep: Get enough sleep as part of overall lifestyle management.
Hydration: Drink plenty of fluids to support digestive health.
Probiotics: Recent studies suggest that certain probiotics may relieve IBS symptoms, such as belly pain, bloating, and diarrhea.
