Managing IBS: Dietary Strategies

Potential Causes of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS):

The condition of IBS can primarily develop due to extreme form of gastroenteritis due to the infection caused by viral or bacterial agents. The exact cause of IBS is still under question however there are several factors that had been associated with the development of IBS such as the negative experiences of past life, the hereditary factors of the individuals. It had been evident that the symptomatic manifestations of IBS occur with regard to the disturbances caused in the contractions of muscles of the colon referred as colonic motility. The condition demonstrates heightened sensitivity to the food materials, stool particles and gas within the colon. There are varied factors that results in raised sensitivity of the bowel for instance the diet pattern, stressful condition of life, psychological stimulation, infections of the gastrointestinal tract by either bacterial or viral agents, menstruation, expansion or distension due to gas formation [1]. For those exploring this topic further, seeking healthcare dissertation help can provide valuable insights into understanding and addressing IBS effectively.

The interaction between gut and brain:

The modified trend of the contractions of the muscles of the colon or during the process of colonic motility happens due to the interruption of the interaction in between the brain and the gut. This particular interaction is also referred as gut brain axis. It was evident that the interaction the two parts of the body are bi directional in nature and plays a significant function with regard to the maintenance of bowel functions. During IBS condition the interactions get altered which eventually results in changes in the pattern of motility and sensitivity [3]. The factors that impacts upon the gut brain axis are:

The genetic constitution with regard to development of IBS (family genotype)

Infection of the intestine before the arrival of signs and indications.

Psychosocial factors [3].

The dietary and non dietary management strategies available for IBS:

According to the guidelines of NICE the condition of IBS can be managed with the aid of improved life style parameters such as sound eating habits, raised level of exercises, and the easy steps related to the pattern of diet. The steps that had to be followed are routine intake of meals, chew the food materials properly before swallowing, should not skip the meal patterns and with the plenty intake of fluids. There are certain limitations with regard to the consumption of food and beverage for instance alcohol, caffeine, foods which are spicy and food which are rich in lipid and starch content as these substances evidently reported to worsen the symptomatic manifestations among patients of IBS [2]. Caffeine was found to raise the discharge of gastric acid, chronic consumption of alcohol impacts upon the process of absorption and disrupts the motility patterns of GI tract along with the permeability of the intestinal wall. Foods which are rich in spice content results in feelings of burning along with pain in the abdomen. The high lipid content of the food materials impacts the motility of the small bowels, provokes the gastrocolonic reflex and increases the visceral hypersensitivity among patients suffering from IBS [2]. In the pharmacological therapy the drug Linaclotide is approved by the European Medicines Agency for the healing of IBS-C [4].

References:

Moayyedi P, Mearin F, Azpiroz F, Andresen V, Barbara G, Corsetti M, Emmanuel A, Hungin AP, Layer P, Stanghellini V, Whorwell P. Irritable bowel syndrome diagnosis and management: a simplified algorithm for clinical practice. United European gastroenterology journal. 2017 Oct;5(6):773-88.

Algera J, Colomier E, Simrén M. The Dietary Management of Patients with Irritable Bowel Syndrome: A Narrative Review of the Existing and Emerging Evidence. Nutrients. 2019 Sep;11(9):2162.

Kennedy PJ, Cryan JF, Dinan TG, Clarke G. Irritable bowel syndrome: a microbiome-gut-brain axis disorder?. World journal of gastroenterology: WJG. 2014 Oct 21;20(39):14105.

Chey WD, Lembo AJ, Lavins BJ, Shiff SJ, Kurtz CB, Currie MG, MacDougall JE, Jia XD, Shao JZ, Fitch DA, Baird MJ. Linaclotide for irritable bowel syndrome with constipation: a 26-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial to evaluate efficacy and safety. American Journal of Gastroenterology. 2012 Nov 1;107(11):1702-12.