Written by Pete Rosier
Reviewed By Kristen Stavridis BSc (Hons)
Living with IBS? Discover Gut Health Relief with These Simple Changes
Gut Health and IBS
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is more common than you might think, affecting around 1 in 10 people worldwide. Yet, many people are unaware that IBS and your gut health go hand in hand, and small changes to your diet can help to relieve symptoms and make everyday more comfortable.
Despite being so widespread, it’s still surrounded by questions, why does it happen, and how can you manage it effectively? One thing we do know is that IBS and gut health are closely linked, with the gut microbiome and overall gut function at the centre of both its symptoms and potential solutions. At Biotiful, we’re here to help you better understand the connection between IBS and your gut to support you every step of the way.
Key Links between IBS and Gut Health
IBS is more than just a sensitive stomach, it’s a complex condition closely tied to the health of your gut. According to the NHS, around 13 million people suffer from IBS. IBS is characterised as a gastrointestinal condition in which the patient will experience abdominal pain, discomfort, and disturbances in their bowel habits or movements.
Research shows that disruptions in gut function and microbiome balance play a significant role in IBS symptoms. Although there is no exact ‘cure’ for this common condition, there may be certain lifestyle measures outlined below to support IBS and gut health, which can reduce symptoms for some people and make IBS more manageable day to day.
Here’s how the connection between IBS and your gut work:
1. Gut Microbiome Imbalance (Dysbiosis):
A healthy gut thrives on balance, but for many people with IBS, an imbalance in the gut microbiome, known as dysbiosis, occurs. In terms of IBS and gut health, this can lead to an overgrowth of harmful bacteria and a reduction in beneficial ones, disrupting digestion and triggering IBS symptoms like bloating and irregular bowel movements.
2. Gut-Brain Axis Dysfunction:
The gut and brain are in constant communication through the gut-brain axis. With IBS and your gut, this connection may be disrupted, leading to heightened gut sensitivity and changes in bowel habits. Stress and anxiety, which directly impact gut health, often make symptoms worse.
3. Gut Barrier Function:
Increased gut permeability, commonly called "leaky gut," is frequently linked to IBS and your gut. This condition allows substances like toxins or undigested food particles to pass through the intestinal lining, potentially causing inflammation and exacerbating symptoms.
4. Altered Fermentation and Gas Production:
When the gut microbiome is out of balance, it can lead to excessive fermentation of certain carbohydrates. This over-fermentation produces gas, which contributes to the bloating and discomfort commonly experienced by IBS sufferers.
5. Inflammation and Immune Response:
Low-grade inflammation and an overactive immune system are often present in IBS, driven by microbial imbalances in the gut. These factors can worsen symptoms and make the condition more difficult to manage.
By understanding the vital role between IBS and gut health, you can take steps to restore balance and alleviate symptoms. Incorporating gut-friendly foods, like Biotiful Kefir, into your daily routine is a simple way to nurture your microbiome and support your digestive health.
Supporting IBS and Your Gut
As IBS and gut health are intertwined, improving gut health is a key step in managing IBS symptoms and enhancing overall digestion. Here are some practical strategies.
- Probiotics: Adding beneficial bacteria to your diet through probiotic-rich foods like kefir can help rebalance your microbiome and support healthy digestion.
- Dietary Changes: A low-FODMAP diet, which limits fermentable carbohydrates, can reduce symptoms like bloating and discomfort by minimizing the food sources that feed harmful bacteria, helping IBS and your gut.
- Stress Management: Stress can disrupt gut-brain communication, worsening IBS symptoms. Techniques like mindfulness, yoga, or deep breathing can help ease stress and improve gut health.
- Prebiotics: Foods rich in fibre, like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, nourish good gut bacteria. However, for some individuals with IBS, it’s important to monitor fibre intake to avoid triggering symptoms.
By focusing on these dietary and lifestyle adjustments, you can take meaningful steps toward reducing IBS symptoms and supporting long-term gut health.
Start your Gut Health Reset
We now know how closely linked IBS and gut health are, and small lifestyle changes can make a significant difference to help manage symptoms. Start your journey to a healthier gut today with the Biotiful Gut Health Reset and feel the difference it can make!
