Relief for Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a group of symptoms, including recurrent cramping in the belly, excessive bloating and gas, and changes in bowel movement, which may include chronic diarrhea, constipation, or both.

In the United States approximately 8-15 percent of the adult population suffers from IBS symptoms. It is one of the most common gastrointestinal (GI) disorders encountered in U.S. clinical practice, making up between 2.4 and 3.5 million physician visits annually.

IBS is known as a functional GI disorder, as it causes abnormal functioning of the GI tract. Patients with IBS do not have visible signs of damage or disease in their digestive tract; therefore, doctors generally diagnose IBS by symptoms alone. Until recently, the cause of IBS wasn’t well understood; however, recent research suggests IBS may be at least in part due to an imbalanced microbiome.

The microbiome is the collection of trillions of microbes, such as bacteria, fungi, viruses, and other microorganisms that live primarily in your small intestine. In a balanced GI tract, the microbes are either harmless or beneficial and carry out a series of helpful and necessary functions. They are known to provide enzymes needed to metabolize carbohydrates into energy, shore up the intestinal barrier to protect against harmful bacteria and inflammation, and help to maintain a healthy immune system. GI microbes are critical to a well-functioning gut.

When those critical gut microbes become imbalanced, ‘dysbiosis’ can occur. In dybiosis, your gut is unable to process or metabolize certain foods, defend fully against bad bacteria and inflammation, or protect your immune system. An imbalanced gut microbiome, or dysbiosis, can lead to bloating, gas, diarrhea, and constipation as well as a diagnosis of IBS.

Fortunately, there are dietary, supplemental, and lifestyle changes that can rebalance your gut’s microbiome and relieve IBS symptoms.

Diet: According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), your diet has a large impact on a balanced gut and IBS.

A diet high in carbohydrates, saturated fat, refined sugar, and alcohol is commonly linked to dysbiosis. To reduce IBS symptoms, dietary modifications include eating more soluble fiber found in beans, some fruits, and oats; limiting caffeinated and alcoholic beverages; reducing intake of fatty and refined carbohydrate-rich foods; and eliminating gluten. Following a more restrictive diet called, “FODMAP” (Fermentable Oligosaccharides, Disaccharides, Monosaccharides and Polyols), temporarily eliminates certain sugars to discern whether they play a role in upsetting your GI tract. Your healthcare professional will guide you through dietary changes or refer you to a specialist.

Probiotics: The NIDDK suggests that probiotics may be helpful in treating IBS. Probiotics are live bacteria similar to the microorganisms that normally live in your GI tract. Research has shown that probiotic supplements help restore a balanced microbiome by helping your GI tract crowd out the bad bacteria, strengthen the intestinal barrier, and reducing inflammation. Probiotics can be a vital option for some IBS sufferers. Since certain types of probiotics may worsen some conditions or symptoms, it’s important to discuss with your healthcare provider before starting a new dietary supplement.

Enzymes: Digestive enzymes are found in our GI tract. They are naturally produced by the pancreas, which secretes specific enzymes to break down carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. When our GI microbiome is imbalanced, enzymes become deficient and less effective, resulting in symptoms consistent with IBS. For example, a deficiency in the enzyme lactase might lead to difficulty digesting dairy. Likewise, a deficiency in the alpha-galactosidase enzyme may impair carbohydrate (beans, legumes) digestion. Enzyme supplements to address GI symptoms are readily available over-the- counter The research of enzyme supplementation and IBS is new and promising.

Lifestyle: Regular exercise has been shown to decrease IBS symptoms. Physically active people have more frequent bowel movements and more rapid colon transit than those who do not exercise. Stress and anxiety are both a cause and effect of IBS. Counseling directed toward stress and anxiety management can be helpful to resolve symptoms.

A happy gut leads to a healthy body. Fortunately, for IBS sufferers, we have a better understanding of IBS, its causes and how proper supplementation, along with dietary and lifestyle adjustments effect positive change. Professional Supplement Center has an extensive assortment of probiotics and enzymes, along with a knowledgeable staff to streamline your decision process.

For more information, please stop by today, call or visit their website at Professionalsupplementcenter.com.

The in-store hours of operation are Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturday,
9 a.m. to 1 p.m. They are located at 5525 Palmer Crossing Circle, Sarasota, FL 34233
(Between Gecko’s Grill and Pub and Cafe Barbosa)

Professional Supplement Center
941.487.5990
ProfessionalSupplementCenter.com