Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) affects millions of people worldwide. It can be challenging to diagnose because the symptoms are similar to many other digestive conditions. However, if you experience persistent bloating, abdominal pain, and irregular bowel movements, it might be a sign of IBS. In this blog post, we will discuss the signs and symptoms of IBS and how to get a proper diagnosis from a dietitian or naturopath.
What is Irritable Bowel Syndrome?
IBS is a chronic digestive disorder that affects the large intestine or colon. The symptoms may vary from person to person but typically include abdominal pain, bloating, gas, constipation, or diarrhea. It is not clear what exactly causes IBS, but researchers believe that stress, certain foods, hormones, and genetics play a role in its development.
Signs and Symptoms
The most common symptoms of IBS include abdominal cramping and pain that is worse after meals or relieved by bowel movements. Other signs may include changes in bowel habits such as constipation or diarrhea; bloating; gas; mucus in the stool; nausea; fatigue; anxiety or depression.
Diagnosis
To diagnose IBS correctly, your healthcare provider will ask about your medical history and perform physical exams such as blood tests and stool analysis to rule out other conditions like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) or celiac disease that have similar symptoms as IBS.
If no underlying health issues are identified after these tests have been done then you may be referred to either a dietitian or naturopath for further evaluation.
Dietitian
A registered dietitian can help manage your IBS symptoms by creating an individualized diet plan tailored to your needs. They can also provide tips on meal planning and lifestyle adjustments that can help reduce stress, which is a common trigger of IBS symptoms. A dietitian may also recommend eliminating certain foods that can exacerbate your symptoms such as dairy, gluten, or high-fat foods.
Naturopath
A naturopathic doctor may use natural remedies and therapies to treat IBS such as herbs, probiotics, acupuncture, and stress-reduction techniques. They may also recommend dietary changes such as eating more fiber or avoiding certain food groups like FODMAPs (Fermentable Oligo-, Di-, Mono-saccharides And Polyols) that have been shown to aggravate IBS symptoms in some people.
If you suspect you have IBS, it is essential to seek professional help from a dietitian or naturopath. Both healthcare providers can help manage your symptoms and improve your quality of life by recommending lifestyle changes, creating an individualized meal plan that reduces stressors on the digestive system, and providing natural remedies to alleviate pain and discomfort associated with IBS. Remember that identifying the root cause of your digestive issues is crucial for proper diagnosis and treatment.
If you have any questions or would like to explore further, please book a free, no-charge online appointment with either myself, Dr. Kaitlyn Zorn, BSc (Hons), ND, or another Kitchener Naturopathic Doctor at CARESPACE. We are happy to listen and are here to help!
