What is IBS?
IBS, or irritable bowel syndrome, is a chronic condition that affects about 15% of adults in the United States alone. IBS is a gastrointestinal disease that can cause uncomfortable abdominal symptoms such as bloating, constipation, diarrhea, etc. Some people who are diagnosed with this condition have mild to moderate symptoms and are able to go about their lives normally whilst maintaining a healthy diet. Unfortunately for other individuals, IBS can result in severe symptoms which can sharply decline the quality of their life. The most overlooked symptom is stress which can lead to the formation of more acute symptoms if it is escalated too far.
Causes of IBS
Although the exact cause of IBS is unclear, researchers point to the gut-brain connection as the most reasonable explanation. The brain communicates with the entire body, sending nerve signals back and forth. However, more nerve signals are sent to the gut than any other area of the body. The connection between these two body systems ranges from relaying emotions to protecting the body from danger, via digestion alarms and bowel function. When the complex and extensive network between these two systems is disrupted, the effects can be seen through one’s digestive abilities.
Other potential causes of IBS can be bacterial, or infection-related. Many studies show that those with altered gut bacteria are more prone to suffering from irritable bowel disease. Similarly, major infections of the gastrointestinal tract can lead to the development of IBS.
The Role of Probiotics
Probiotics are living yeasts and bacteria which supply beneficial microbes to the body and help boost immunity. The gut already has existing bacteria; however, probiotics can provide additional support to this community and are known to improve one’s overall gut health.
A clinical trial was conducted among 443 participants who all suffered from IBS. These patients were randomized to receive Bifidobacterium bifidum MIMBb75, a heat inactive probiotic, or a placebo. Over the eight-week trial, a significant percentage of patients who received the inactive probiotic reported improvements in their quality of life and reduction of symptoms compared to those who received the placebo.
References
Irritable bowel Syndrome (IBS). (2024, July 18). Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/4342-irritable-bowel-syndrome-ibs
Irritable bowel Syndrome (IBS). (n.d.). Johns Hopkins Medicine. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/irritable-bowel syndrome-ibs
Lembo, A., MD. (2020, June 22). Probiotics — even inactive ones — may relieve IBS symptoms. Harvard Health. https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/probiotics-even-inactive-ones-may relieve-ibs-symptoms-2020062220303
Written by Laasya Alampali from MEDILOQUY