As a gastroenterology specialist, I see many patients who come in to talk to me because their gut is always “talking” to them.
Have you ever had bloating or gas in your abdomen? Pain or cramping that is relieved when you have a bowel movement? Perhaps you feel a constant need to have a B.M., or a feeling of not being quite “done” after having one. These are all possible signs of IBS, or irritable bowel syndrome.
If this sounds like you, you’re not alone. IBS affects 10 to 15 percent of the population.
IBS is a disorder that involves movement of digested food through the intestines, along with how your brain reacts to signals from the gut. Symptoms vary from person to person and can be mild to severe.
For many, it can severely impact their lives, causing difficulties at work, at home and with activities. Some sufferers cannot even leave their house at times. Others have mapped out every bathroom location in the area where they live. Some IBS suffers find it especially frustrating that their symptoms can come and go without a pattern; foods that are tolerated one day can bother them the next.
If you feel your gut is “talking” to you in this way, there are some things you can try to see if they alleviate the symptoms of IBS. The more natural things to try first are simple dietary changes. Many IBS sufferers have lactose (dairy) intolerance. Try avoiding dairy for two weeks and see if this makes a difference.
Some studies have shown that a gluten-free diet — cutting out foods containing wheat, barley and rye — can help.
A low-FODMAP diet can be effective for some people: removing fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides and polyols. In layman’s terms, that means removing certain sugars and carbs from the diet. These chemicals are found in foods containing fructose; dairy products; fructans such as wheat, garlic and onions; legumes such as beans, lentils and soybeans; certain artificial sweeteners; and pitted fruits such as avocados, cherries, peaches and plums. FODMAPS are not successfully broken down and absorbed by the small intestine, especially when consumed in excess.
Over-the-counter treatments to try include fiber supplements such as Metamucil and Citrucel (don’t confuse with that Citracal, a calcium supplement). Be cautious, though: Fiber can cause bloating for some people. Sugar-free fiber products can also help.
According to some studies, probiotics (the beneficial bacteria normally found in the gut) can help reduce pain, gas and bloating. These can be found in certain yogurts and certain medicines such as Align. They can take a few weeks to provide the full effect.
Finally, peppermint oil tablets may help with gas, pressure, bloating and changes in bowels.
There are also a number of prescription medications your primary care provider or gastroenterologist might prescribe for IBS.
While IBS is not considered seriously life-threatening, symptoms should not be ignored. Some of them could be signs of something more worrisome, such as celiac disease, Crohn’s disease or even colon cancer. Don’t wait to call your provider if you have any of the following, more troubling symptoms: unexplained weight loss, bloody or black tarry bowel movements, fever, nausea and vomiting, any symptoms that begin after age 50, or symptoms that regularly wake you up at night.
Such symptoms warrant at least an evaluation by your primary care provider, who may refer you to a gastroenterologist.
Julie Quinn is a certified physician assistant at St. Joseph Gastroenterology in Bangor.