Irritable Bowel Syndrome or IBS and Anxiety

Irritable Bowel Syndrome is a catch phrase for a constellation of bowel symptoms. 

The College of Family Physicians describes IBS as follows:

"Partly digested food normally leaves the stomach and passes into the small intestine and then into the large intestine. The large intestine makes food move with gentle squeezing motions. The large intestine is also called the large bowel or colon.
In irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), the intestines squeeze too hard or not hard enough and cause food to move too fast or too slowly through your system.
IBS is also called functional bowel syndrome, irritable colon, spastic bowel and spastic colon. It's not the same as inflammatory bowel diseases, like ulcerative colitis. "

IBS manifests in different ways for different people.  Some suffer from chronic diarrhea or constipation while others have periodic bouts with both.  Most suffers would agree however, that there is pain and cramping that can be quite debilitating. Other symptoms can be:

  • Gas and bloating
  • Feeling the urge to have another bowel movement after just having one
  • Urgency with bowel movements
  • Pain and cramping

People with IBS may find their symptoms worsen when they are under stress or after they eat a large meal or after eating specific food.  Women sufferers may find symptoms get worse around their period.

In a study reported in Hepatogastroenterolgy, patients with IBS had a significantly higher incidence of anxiety and depression than the healthy control subjects.  Researchers suggested this may create a vicious circle of symptoms.  Those with IBS tend to feel more anxiety and the anxiety and higher stress felt may lead to activation of the autonomatic nervous system which could cause problems with normal functioning of the muscles of the bowel. 

What could be causing your Irritable Bowel?

Reasons for Irritable Bowel vary from person to person.  The first place to look is the diet.  Ask yourself the following questions:

  • Are you consuming enough fiber from a variety of sources?
  • Are you consuming foods that can irritate or initiate a spastic episode?
  • Are you eating at regular times?
  • Are you eating too much at one sitting?
  • Is your diet too high in fat?
  • Are you deficient in key nutrients like calcium or magnesium?
     

After you assess your diet, consider the amount of stress you may be under.  Stress impacts bowels quite dramatically so learning how to deal with stress can be a real life saver.  Meditation or relaxation training as well as exercise can help calm the body and relieve stress symptoms.

If you or a family member suffer from IBS see your health care practitioner.  They can test you for food sensitivities and nutrient deficiencies as well as provide ideas for destressing. 

IBS can make you feel like you can't do things without careful thought and planning.  However, taking care of your diet, finding out what is causing your symptoms and managing stress can all help to ensure you lead a normal life without sacrificing the things you love to do.

Quick Tips For Controlling IBS

  • Eat a variety of foods
  • Drink plenty of water
  • Avoid high fat foods
  • Eat six small meals a day rather than three larger meals
  • Practice relaxation techniques or meditation regularly
  • Avoid laxatives, they may weaken your intestines