April is IBS awareness month

Amani Health sheds some light on this often misunderstood condition

By Laura Batson, Naturopathic doctor

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) affects up to 20% of Canadians. It can be a debilitating disorder with symptoms that include chronic abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea and/or constipation. While most people will experience some of these symptoms at various times in their life, those suffering from IBS experience these symptoms intensely and often daily.

Often, lifestyle changes help manage IBS, a common chronic bowel disorder.

Interestingly, about 40% of those suffering from IBS do not seek medical treatment even though their condition significantly interferes with their daily life. One reason is that the medical community has poorly understood this condition for a long time, not knowing the cause or cure. Recent research reveals that IBS has no single cause; rather, it is linked to multiple contributing factors: poor nutrition, food sensitivities, imbalance in gut bacteria, psychological triggers, neurological hyper-sensitivity in the gut, improper exercise, and infectious components. Due to these multiple contributing factors, IBS is poorly treated with pharmaceutical interventions alone. However, it responds well to a holistic approach that includes healing the gut through nutrition, lifestyle modifications, and addressing underlying psychological triggers.

At Amani Health, we have developed a whole-person, evidence-based approach to treat IBS effectively. If you or someone you know is suffering from this debilitating disorder, please know that we are here to help. To get started, book a discovery session with our integrative medical doctor or call us for more information.

References

Bridges, R.J., Fedorak, R.N., Paterson, W.G., & Vanner, S.J. (2012 May). Canadian Digestive Health Foundation Public Impact Series 3: Irritable bowel syndrome in Canada. Incidence, prevalence, and direct and indirect economic impact. Can J Gastroenterol, 26(5), 252-256.

Gastrointestinal Society: Canadian Society of Intestinal Research

https://www.badgut.org/information-centre/a-z-digestive-topics/ibs/

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