Don't miss out on exclusive discounts, news, articles and promotions that all our newsletter subscribers get to enjoy every month. If you sign up now, you also get a 10% discount on your first purchase!
IBS means that there is a disturbance in the way the bowel works and its sensation - sensitive bowel. IBS is an abbreviation of the English irritable bowel syndrome, and roughly means irritable or hypersensitive intestine. It is also called irritable bowel syndrome and functional bowel disorders. Symptoms include cramping, abdominal pain, bloating, gas and diarrhea and constipation. IBS is a chronic condition that you have to manage long term.
Only a few people with IBS have severe symptoms. Some people can control their symptoms by managing diet, lifestyle and stress. More severe symptoms can be treated with medication and counselling.
The symptoms of IBS vary but are usually present for a long time. The most common include:
The exact cause of IBS is not known. Factors that seem to play a role include:
Muscle contractions in the intestine. The intestinal walls have a layer of muscles that contract as they move food through the digestive tract. Contractions that are stronger and last longer than usual can cause gas, bloating and diarrhea. Weak contractions can slow down the passage of food and lead to hard and dry stools.
The nervous system. Problems with the nerves in the digestive system can cause discomfort when the abdomen is distended by gas or stool. Poorly coordinated signals between the brain and the gut can cause your body to overreact to changes that normally occur in the digestive process. This can lead to pain, diarrhea or constipation.
Serious infection. IBS can develop after a severe bout of diarrhea caused by bacteria or a virus. This is called gastroenteritis. Gastroenteritis is an inflammation of the stomach and intestines. The cause is often viruses, bacteria or parasites, which are spread through contaminated water or food, or from person to person. The inflammation can also arise from other causes, for example due to rheumatic bowel disease or harmful substances. IBS can also be associated with an excess of bacteria in the gut (bacterial overgrowth, also called SIBO). SIBO (Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth) is a condition that involves an overgrowth of bacteria in the small intestine, which should normally only be found in the large intestine. SIBO can lead to gas, bloating, abdominal discomfort but can also affect the ability to absorb nutrients from the diet.
Stress early in life. People who are exposed to stressful events, especially in childhood, tend to have more symptoms of IBS.
Changes in the intestinal flora (intestinal microbes). Examples of this are changes in bacteria, fungi and viruses, which are usually found in the intestines and play a key role in health. Research suggests that the microbes in people with IBS may differ from those in people who do not have IBS.
Food. The significance of food allergy or intolerance in IBS is not fully understood. A true food allergy rarely causes IBS. However, many people have worse IBS symptoms when they eat or drink certain foods or drinks. These can include wheat, dairy products, citrus fruits, beans, cabbage, milk and carbonated beverages. But this varies from person to person, while some with IBS can drink milk, others cannot without getting IBS symptoms. This is how you have to test yourself for what applies to you.
Foods that go under the name FODMAP include specific carbohydrates that in the person with IBS cause symptoms such as gas, diarrhea and pain. FODMAP is an abbreviation of the words Fermentable, Oligo-, Di-, Mono-saccharides and Polyols (sugar alcohols). The fact that the carbohydrates are fermentable (fermentable) means that for the person with IBS, they are poorly absorbed by the intestine, which in turn affects the fluid balance more or less in different people.
FODMAPs include:
FODMAPS draw water into the intestine. In addition, the carbohydrates ferment and create gas and bloating. Overall, this increases the volume of the intestinal contents, stretches the intestinal wall and stimulates the nerves in the intestine. It is this stretching that can cause pain and discomfort in people suffering from IBS.
Stress. Most people with IBS experience worse or more frequent symptoms during periods of increased stress. But while stress can make symptoms worse, it doesn't cause them.
Many people have temporary symptoms of IBS. But you are more likely to get IBS if you include the following:
Young people. IBS occurs more often in people under the age of 50.
Women. IBS has a prevalence of over 10% and is more common among women than men. Estrogen treatment before or after menopause is also a risk factor for IBS.
Has a genetic predisposition. Genes can play a role, as can common factors in a family's environment or a combination of genes and environment.
Have anxiety, depression or other mental problems. A history of sexual, physical or emotional abuse can also be a risk factor.
Chronic constipation or diarrhea can cause hemorrhoids.
In addition, IBS is associated with:
Poor quality of life. Many people with moderate to severe IBS report poor quality of life. Research shows that people with IBS miss three times as many days from work as those without bowel symptoms.
Affective disorders. Experiencing the symptoms of IBS can lead to depression or anxiety. Depression and anxiety can also worsen IBS.
Collagen can ease your IBS symptoms and promote a calmer gut!
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) can be a frustrating and incredibly distressing condition. The constant battle against bloating, gas, constipation or diarrhea can significantly affect your daily life. Although there is currently no cure for IBS, many people find relief through dietary and lifestyle changes. More recently, collagen has emerged as a potential natural dietary supplement for managing IBS symptoms.
Collagen is a protein found naturally in our bodies that gives structure to skin, bones and even our intestinal lining. IBS sufferers often have a weakened or inflamed intestinal lining, which can contribute to their symptoms. This is where collagen can play a big role for IBS sufferers.
Collagen peptides, the degraded form of collagen found in supplements, act as building blocks to repair and strengthen the intestinal lining. This can reduce inflammation and improve gut barrier function, which can lead to fewer IBS symptoms.
Collagen is also hydrophilic, which means it attracts water. This can help keep your digestive system well hydrated, which promotes smoother digestion and can potentially relieve constipation.
Some studies also suggest that collagen may have anti-inflammatory properties. This can be beneficial for IBS sufferers, as inflammation is often a contributing factor to their symptoms.
Although the benefits of collagen for IBS are promising, research is still ongoing.
Choose reputable brands and look for hydrolyzed collagen or collagen peptides for better absorption.
Don't expect overnight results. Give your body time to adjust and monitor any changes in your IBS symptoms. Studies have shown that it takes about 6 weeks before you can expect to notice a result. For some, it may take even longer, or less time. But this is of course individual and also depends on which symptoms you have.
Living with IBS can be challenging, but with the right approach, you can get relief. Collagen can be a valuable dietary supplement to relieve your IBS symptoms. It is also good to think holistically when it comes to managing your IBS, a holistic approach that combines dietary changes, stress management and dietary supplements with collagen is a good way to go to improve your gut health and IBS.
