Think about getting out of bed each morning not knowing how your gastrointestinal tract is going to function. This is the new normal for millions of people globally, as a result of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).
IBS is an inflammatory bowel disease that mainly involves the large intestine which in turn leads to many unpleasant and at times disabling symptoms. These symptoms include stomach ache and bloating, passing gas, and changes in bowel movements, including diarrhea constipation, or both.
IBS is a widespread issue in Australia, and a fifth of the population is thought to experience IBS at some time in their lives. Such a high prevalence indicates that IBS can greatly interfere with activities in the working environment and social life as well as personal health.
Nonetheless, Irritable Bowel Syndrome is a rather common issue that is still poorly understood and for which there is no universal remedy.
This blog will therefore provide a general understanding of IBS, the factors that may lead to it, its symptoms, and ways of tackling it. We will also look at how some products by Squatty Potty Australia can help in the reduction of some of the symptoms of IBS.
Knowing more about IBS is helpful so that we can be more active in preventing the worsening of its symptoms and live better.
The Irritable Bowel Syndrome Symptoms Quiz
Irritable Bowel Syndrome is a very complicated condition, which gives it a lot of symptoms and signs of diagnosis and that is why it presents in various ways in different people. However, there are several common symptoms that many people with IBS experience:
Abdominal Pain or Cramping: This is commonly the chief complaint and may vary from just a dull ache to excruciating pain. The pain is normally eased after defecation.
Bloating and Gas: Some of the symptoms that most people with IBS experience include swelling or fullness in the abdomen and excessive formation of gas.
Diarrhea, Constipation, or Alternating between the two: IBS affects bowel habits greatly. Some will have to go to the washroom more often with loose stool while others will have less frequent bowel movements with hard stool. However, it is also possible for someone to switch between these two types of thinking all the time.
Mucus in the Stool: Another symptom associated with IBS is white or clear mucus in the stool.
These Irritable Bowel Syndrome symptoms can be triggered or worsened by various factors, including:
Stress: Stress and anxiety can trigger IBS and therefore stress reduction forms part of the management of the disease.
Certain Foods: High-fatty foods, spicy foods, and foods that contain caffeine or alcohol can cause such symptoms. Further, some individuals may experience some form of food sensitivity in that they may have IBS and at the same time they are sensitive to certain foods like lactose or gluten.
Hormonal changes: It was also observed that are linked with hormonal changes such as those experienced in women. Some women experience a worsening of their condition during their periods or other menstrual cycles.
It is therefore very important to understand these symptoms and their causes to better deal with the disorder. When people avoid situations that provoke their symptoms, they can decrease the number of such symptoms and increase their quality of life.
Common Causes of Irritable Bowel Syndrome
The exact cause of IBS is unknown, but several factors are believed to contribute to its development:
Muscle contractions in the intestine: This kind of contractions are said to cause gas, bloating, and diarrhea or on the other hand, weak or longer contractions will slow down the movement of food in the colon and lead to hard and dry feces.
Nervous system abnormalities: CNS-GI interactions are usually characterized by poorly coordinated signals between the brain and the intestines leading to an overreaction to alterations in the digestive process.
Inflammation in the intestines: Some people with IBS have more immune cells in the gut, which can cause pain and diarrhea.
Severe infection: IBS can occur following an attack of acute diarrhea due to bacteria or a virus.
Changes in gut microflora: Symbiotics are the beneficial bacteria of the intestines that determine overall health. According to the research, it is hypothesized that microflora present in individuals with IBS may well be different from that found in normal people.
Posture and IBS: The Role of Squatting
This blog seeks to establish how a person’s posture affects his or her digestive system. The current toilet design that is in use promotes the sitting position and therefore increases the chances of straining and having a low-fiber bowel movement.
Squatting on the other hand will place the rectum and anus in a position through which they will be easier and complete evacuation. This is where Squatty Potty comes in. Lifting your feet on a basic foot stool helps you assume a basic squatting position that is not straining and may alleviate some IBS conditions.
Toilet Stools and Irritable Bowel Syndrome Symptoms: How They’re Connected
They are very useful to Irritable Bowel Syndrome patients in general, as well as those people who are struggling with constipation and other related bowel problems, as Squatty Potty Australia provides. These stools are meant to lift your feet when seated on the toilet so that you will have a more conducive squatting posture.
This small change can have many positive effects on a person’s digestion and feeling of well-being.
Promote complete bowel movements: If you are sitting on a regular porcelain toilet, the rectoanal angle is bent in a way that makes defecation slightly more challenging. When you use a toilet stool to raise your feet, this angle is straightened and this makes it easier and complete to have the whole bowel movement.
This is especially important as IBS patients frequently experience an impression of not emptying the bowel sufficiently.
Reduce straining: Pushing during defecation can result in the formation of hemorrhoids and other related pelvic floor problems. The puborectalis is a muscle that circles the rectum; the use of a toilet stool relieves pressure on this muscle.
When you raise your legs this muscle also relaxes thus reducing the effort needed to pass stool and therefore less straining.
To read more about the advantages of toilet stools and to see what products Squatty Potty Australia has to offer, click on plastic stools. Therefore if you incorporate the use of a toilet stool in your daily life you are likely to enhance the way you do your bowel movements and thus be very useful in the management of IBS.
Products for Personal Hygiene and Comfort
Hygiene and comfort are paramount in order to prevent the flare-up of Irritable Bowel Syndrome symptoms. The use of other products like bidets, wet wipes, and very soft toilet paper can also assist in maintaining the cleanliness of the anal area and thus help in minimizing the irritation.
Further, people will find it comfortable to use when making bowel movements since the stool brings a natural posture.
Lifestyle Changes for IBS
Most forms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome can be handled by a combination of changes in diet, stress reduction, and exercise. Here are some tips:
Dietary changes: Avoid products that lead to inflammation, consume fiber-rich foods, and drink a lot of water.
Stress management: It is suggested to engage in activities that help the mind relax, including yoga, meditation, or deep breathing.
Regular exercise: Low-intensity exercise such as walking or swimming should be taken as a way of controlling bowel movements.
Also Read:- What is Constipation? Understanding Symptoms, Causes, and Cure
Conclusion: Enhancing Digestive Comfort
As much as it is a discomforting condition, the use of the right strategies will help an Irritable Bowel Syndrome patient lessen the effects of the illness on his/her life. One can use such devices as Squatty Potty every day and it will make a huge difference to the digestion process.
This blog explains the reasons for developing IBS, identifying the signs, and utilizing efficient approaches to manage the condition so that you can improve your quality of life.
Disclaimer
The information provided in this blog is intended for general informational purposes only. We do not offer medical advice under any circumstances. A medical professional must be consulted for any advice, diagnosis, or treatment of health-related issues. Reliance on any information provided is solely at your own risk. The author will not be held responsible for any misuse of this information. No guarantees are made either expressed or implied. If you need clarification on any information presented here, please seek medical advice before using any suggested product.FAQs
Q:- How to resolve IBS?
Ans. IBS can be resolved or managed through dietary changes, stress reduction, regular exercise, and medications. A low FODMAP diet and probiotics are often recommended to alleviate symptoms.
Q:- What are 3 symptoms of IBS?
Ans. Common symptoms of IBS include abdominal pain or cramping, bloating, and gas, and changes in bowel habits such as diarrhea or constipation.
Q:- What is the main cause of irritable bowel syndrome?
Ans. The exact cause of IBS is unknown, but it is believed to involve a combination of gut-brain axis problems, intestinal motility issues, and hypersensitivity of the digestive tract.
Q:- Is IBS caused by stress?
Ans. Stress does not cause IBS, but it can exacerbate symptoms. The gut-brain connection means that stress and anxiety can significantly impact digestive health.
Q:- Which food triggers IBS?
Ans. Common food triggers for IBS include high-fat foods, dairy products, gluten, certain fruits and vegetables (especially those high in FODMAPs), and caffeinated or carbonated drinks.