About ibs (irritable bowel syndrome) triggers and prevention

What is ibs (irritable bowel syndrome) triggers and prevention?

IBS triggers and prevention facts

  • Foods and drinks that dehydrate the body can trigger constipation in IBS patients.
  • Fatty foods can trigger diarrhea in people with IBS; others may also do so but specific food triggers of diarrhea and other IBS symptoms may vary between individuals.
  • Stress and anxiety can stimulate IBS symptoms in many IBS patients
  • Drugs like antibiotics, antidepressants and /or medicines that contain sorbitol may trigger IBS symptoms
  • In many women with IBS, menses and/or menstrual pain is related to the onset of IBS symptoms
  • Other triggers for IBS symptoms may include lack of exercise, eating while under stress, eating foods that are very hot or very cold.
  • There are several ways to reduce or stop many of the causes that trigger IBS symptoms; for example, eat a balanced diet, avoid food and drinks that dehydrate the body or may cause diarrhea, keep a journal to identify personal triggers of IBS, reduce stressors or causes of anxiety, and discuss medications you are taking that may be triggering your IBS symptoms with your doctor.

What foods in the diet trigger constipation in IBS?

Any food or fluids that tend to dehydrate a person is likely to trigger constipation in people with IBS (irritable bowel syndrome). Foods that people with IBS should avoid include:

  • Chocolate
  • Dairy products such as milk and cheese (particularly those that contain lactose),
  • Red meat,
  • Unripe bananas
  • Items that contain caffeine if you are slightly dehydrated.
  • Coffee, carbonated drinks and alcohol may lead to dehydration and constipation in IBS patients (and other people, too).

Foods that help prevent constipation

Foods that help prevent constipation in people with and in other people include:

  • Prunes
  • Various types of beans
  • Whole grain breads like rye bread
  • Pears and fruits like kiwi
  • Vegetables that will help boost fiber intake

What foods in the diet trigger diarrhea in IBS?

  • Several foods may play a role in developing diarrhea in people with IBS. Major categories of foods that are thought to contribute are those that contain fats (fatty meats, fatty dairy products, for example). Each individual is slightly different and may respond differently to food types; consequently dietitians and health care professionals who treat people with IBS often suggest that they keep a journal or diary to track those foods that cause diarrhea.
  • Some foods that trigger diarrhea do so because they are ingested in large quantities; for example, a bite of a banana may not cause diarrhea, but eating a whole banana in some people with IBS may trigger diarrhea.
  • Other foods that contain high levels of fructose, sorbitol, and fried foods may also trigger diarrhea.
  • Broccoli, onions, cabbage and large helpings of beans may produce gas and increase the discomfort of diarrhea.
  • Probiotics may help reduce the symptoms of diarrhea and gas in some individuals.

Are stress and anxiety triggers for IBS?

Stress and anxiety may be triggers for IBS and the development of recurrent symptoms. Chronic stress experienced early in life (less than age 18) may increase the chances of developing IBS. Moreover, people diagnosed with IBS can have stress or anxiety trigger IBS symptoms, such as diarrhea, constipation, abdominal bloating, mucus defecation and /or feelings of incomplete bowel movements.

What drugs trigger IBS?

Some drugs can trigger IBS symptoms resulting in colonic spasms, constipation and/or diarrhea; such drugs include antibiotics (especially those administered over a long period of time), antidepressants, and medicines containing sorbitol (for example, some cough syrup preparations).

What foods in the diet trigger diarrhea in IBS?

  • Several foods may play a role in developing diarrhea in people with IBS. Major categories of foods that are thought to contribute are those that contain fats (fatty meats, fatty dairy products, for example). Each individual is slightly different and may respond differently to food types; consequently dietitians and health care professionals who treat people with IBS often suggest that they keep a journal or diary to track those foods that cause diarrhea.
  • Some foods that trigger diarrhea do so because they are ingested in large quantities; for example, a bite of a banana may not cause diarrhea, but eating a whole banana in some people with IBS may trigger diarrhea.
  • Other foods that contain high levels of fructose, sorbitol, and fried foods may also trigger diarrhea.
  • Broccoli, onions, cabbage and large helpings of beans may produce gas and increase the discomfort of diarrhea.
  • Probiotics may help reduce the symptoms of diarrhea and gas in some individuals.

Are stress and anxiety triggers for IBS?

Stress and anxiety may be triggers for IBS and the development of recurrent symptoms. Chronic stress experienced early in life (less than age 18) may increase the chances of developing IBS. Moreover, people diagnosed with IBS can have stress or anxiety trigger IBS symptoms, such as diarrhea, constipation, abdominal bloating, mucus defecation and /or feelings of incomplete bowel movements.

What drugs trigger IBS?

Some drugs can trigger IBS symptoms resulting in colonic spasms, constipation and/or diarrhea; such drugs include antibiotics (especially those administered over a long period of time), antidepressants, and medicines containing sorbitol (for example, some cough syrup preparations).

What are the symptoms for ibs (irritable bowel syndrome) triggers and prevention?

IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) triggers and prevention is a condition that is chronic, and the large intestines are affected by it. Symptoms may vary from person to person and are as follows.

  • Cramping - In IBS, severe Abdominal pain occurs, and such Cramping happens in the lower abdomen. Cramping in the abdomen helps to know if one is suffering from IBS.
  • Bowel movement - In IBS, the timing of the stool remaining in your intestines has been changed and because of which, the amount of water changes and this creates various problems in digestion.
  • Diarrhea- Loose stools are a common symptom of IBS. It creates a sticky stool, which can be completely in water or lose form.
  • Constipation- It creates pain in the lower part of the stomach, and there arises a sensation of incomplete bowel movements after passing stool.
  • Bloating- Bloating is a very common and frustrating symptom of IBS. Gas affects the urge to have food.
  • Fatigue-Fatigue means it lowers the stamina in IBS that affects the day-to-day activities of a person badly.
  • Insomnia-IBS causes difficulty in sleeping and low quality sleep. Insomnia results in gas problems.
  • Stress- IBS creates mental stress. Stress ultimately causes depression and lowers the confidence of patients for fighting against IBS.


IBS preventions- Many ways can help out to prevent IBS and one can follow this to avoid IBS.

  • Keep your body hydrated and increase fiber intake
  • Drink plenty of water.
  • Take antibiotics that can ease the symptom of IBS
  • Have proper sleep
  • Exercise every day


Conditions
Weight loss,Diarrhea at night,Rectal bleeding,Iron deficiency Anemia,Unexplained Vomiting,Difficulty swallowing,Persistent pain that isn't relieved by Passing gas or a bowel movement
Drugs
Over-the-counter medications, loperamide (Imodium A-D),A bile acid binder, such as cholestyramine (Prevalite),Colestipol (Colestid) or colesevelam (Welchol)
Symptoms
Abdominal pain or cramps, usually in the lower half of the abdomen,Bloating,Bowel movements that are harder or looser than usual,Diarrhea, Constipation or alternating between the two,Excess gas,Mucus in your poop (may look whitish)

What are the causes for ibs (irritable bowel syndrome) triggers and prevention?

The exact cause of IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) triggers and prevention cannot be known. Causes may include the following-

  • Dysmotality- There arise problems with GI tract muscles that move food.
  • Brain gut dysfunction-Chemicals such as serotonin gastrin are released that causes miscommunication between the brain and gut
  • Bacterial overgrowth- Bacteria is increased in the intestines
  • Colon sensitivity- This can cause diarrhea or constipation.
  • Age- IBS can affect people of all ages
  • Food habits- In some people, the digestive system is weak, and because of this, they are unable to digest some of the food items properly; this causes IBS
  • Hereditary- Your gene may become a cause of IBS
  • Menstrual cycle-Woman are affected more than man due to change in hormones
  • Medications- Consuming several medicines like antibiotics is linked with IBS. Try to check your medications, and if there happens to be any doubt or if it doesn't suit you, then immediately consult your doctor.
  • Mental health- Stressful lifestyle causes disturbance in mental health that causes an imbalance in stomach health, and this, unfortunately, can become the cause of IBS.
  • In the intestine muscles are contracted, which can cause gas and bloating.


Triggers-

  • Try to have proper food that does not harm your body and avoid dairy food, beverages, etc., which can cause IBS in certain people.
  • Try to live a stress-free life and get enough sleep to avoid problems in the digestive system that ultimately lead to IBS.
  • Try to do exercise that can help in relaxing your body and mind.
  • Try to maintain a water level in your body to avoid harsh symptoms of constipation and hard stool.


Conditions
Weight loss,Diarrhea at night,Rectal bleeding,Iron deficiency anemia,Unexplained vomiting,Difficulty swallowing,Persistent pain that isn't relieved by passing gas or a bowel movement
Drugs
Over-the-counter medications, loperamide (Imodium A-D),A bile acid binder, such as cholestyramine (Prevalite),Colestipol (Colestid) or colesevelam (Welchol)
Symptoms
Abdominal pain or cramps, usually in the lower half of the abdomen,Bloating,Bowel movements that are harder or looser than usual,Diarrhea, constipation or alternating between the two,Excess gas,Mucus in your poop (may look whitish)

What are the treatments for ibs (irritable bowel syndrome) triggers and prevention?

Treatment of IBS focuses on relieving symptoms so that you can live as normally as possible.

Mild signs and symptoms can often be controlled by managing stress and by making changes in your diet and lifestyle. Try to:

  • Avoid foods that trigger your symptoms
  • Eat high-fiber foods
  • Drink plenty of fluids
  • Exercise regularly
  • Get enough sleep

Your doctor might suggest that you eliminate from your diet:

  • High-gas foods. If you experience bloating or gas, you might avoid items such as carbonated and alcoholic beverages and certain foods that may lead to increased gas.
  • Gluten. Research shows that some people with IBS report improvement in diarrhea symptoms if they stop eating gluten (wheat, barley and rye) even if they don't have celiac disease.
  • FODMAPs. Some people are sensitive to certain carbohydrates such as fructose, fructans, lactose and others, known as FODMAPs — fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides and polyols. FODMAPs are found in certain grains, vegetables, fruits and dairy products.

A dietitian can help you with these diet changes.

If your problems are moderate or severe, your doctor might suggest counseling — especially if you have depression or if stress tends to worsen your symptoms.

In addition, based on your symptoms your doctor might suggest medications such as:

  • Fiber supplements. Taking a supplement such as psyllium (Metamucil) with fluids may help control constipation.
  • Laxatives. If fiber doesn't help constipation, your doctor may recommend over-the-counter laxatives, such as magnesium hydroxide oral (Phillips' Milk of Magnesia) or polyethylene glycol (Miralax).
  • Anti-diarrheal medications. Over-the-counter medications, such as loperamide (Imodium A-D), can help control diarrhea. Your doctor might also prescribe a bile acid binder, such as cholestyramine (Prevalite), colestipol (Colestid) or colesevelam (Welchol). Bile acid binders can cause bloating.
  • Anticholinergic medications. Medications such as dicyclomine (Bentyl) can help relieve painful bowel spasms. They are sometimes prescribed for people who have bouts of diarrhea. These medications are generally safe but can cause constipation, dry mouth and blurred vision.
  • Tricyclic antidepressants. This type of medication can help relieve depression as well as inhibit the activity of neurons that control the intestines to help reduce pain. If you have diarrhea and abdominal pain without depression, your doctor may suggest a lower than normal dose of imipramine (Tofranil), desipramine (Norpramin) or nortriptyline (Pamelor). Side effects — which might be reduced if you take the medication at bedtime — can include drowsiness, blurred vision, dizziness and dry mouth.
  • SSRI antidepressants. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressants, such as fluoxetine (Prozac, Sarafem) or paroxetine (Paxil), may help if you are depressed and have pain and constipation.
  • Pain medications. Pregabalin (Lyrica) or gabapentin (Neurontin) might ease severe pain or bloating.

Medications specifically for IBS

Medications approved for certain people with IBS include:

  • Alosetron (Lotronex). Alosetron is designed to relax the colon and slow the movement of waste through the lower bowel. Alosetron can be prescribed only by doctors enrolled in a special program, is intended for severe cases of diarrhea-predominant IBS in women who haven't responded to other treatments, and isn't approved for use by men. It has been linked to rare but important side effects, so it should only be considered when other treatments aren't successful.
  • Eluxadoline (Viberzi). Eluxadoline can ease diarrhea by reducing muscle contractions and fluid secretion in the intestine, and increasing muscle tone in the rectum. Side effects can include nausea, abdominal pain and mild constipation. Eluxadoline has also been associated with pancreatitis, which can be serious and more common in certain individuals.
  • Rifaximin (Xifaxan). This antibiotic can decrease bacterial overgrowth and diarrhea.
  • Lubiprostone (Amitiza). Lubiprostone can increase fluid secretion in your small intestine to help with the passage of stool. It's approved for women who have IBS with constipation, and is generally prescribed only for women with severe symptoms that haven't responded to other treatments.
  • Linaclotide (Linzess). Linaclotide also can increase fluid secretion in your small intestine to help you pass stool. Linaclotide can cause diarrhea, but taking the medication 30 to 60 minutes before eating might help.

Potential future treatments

Researchers are investigating new treatments for IBS, such as fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT). Considered investigational at this time, FMT restores healthy intestinal bacteria by placing another person's processed stool into the colon of a person affected by IBS. Clinical trials to study fecal transplants are currently underway.

What are the risk factors for ibs (irritable bowel syndrome) triggers and prevention?

When talking about risk factors of IBS (irritable bowel syndrome), it is obvious to say that any bad habits or addictions can be treated as a risk for our human body. Risk factors for IBS are described below.

Psychological risk factors-

  • Stress- People having high-stress levels are at more chance of suffering from IBS, whether it is mental stress or physical stress
  • Anxiety- People who have more fear or are worried more and who are anxious are at more risk.
  • Depression- Stress causes depression in people and this can lead to digestion problems.


Habitual factors-

  • Smoking- People who have the habit of smoking cigarettes are at risk of having IBS
  • Alcohol- Consumption of alcohol increases the chances of developing IBS
  • Past medical history as a risk factor
  • A person having diabetes is likely at risk for IBS.
  • Hypertension can lead to an increase in the level of BP that can also become a risk factor for IBS.
  • People who have more weight and more BMI are also at risk of IBS i.e. obesity can lead to the risk of causing IBS.
  • Women are at higher risk of having IBS, and even people below the age of 50 years have the risk of IBS.
  • A person having mental problems can also have the risk of IBS.
  • Any type of infection or problem in the stomach can turn out to be a risk factor for IBS.
  • If you are sensitive to certain food items, then try to maintain a record of such items so that it does not put you to risk for IBS. Maintain a diet book where you can get the record of your items that can save you in the future.


Conditions
Weight loss,Diarrhea at night,Rectal bleeding,Iron deficiency anemia,Unexplained vomiting,Difficulty swallowing,Persistent pain that isn't relieved by passing gas or a bowel movement
Drugs
Over-the-counter medications, loperamide (Imodium A-D),A bile acid binder, such as cholestyramine (Prevalite),Colestipol (Colestid) or colesevelam (Welchol)
Symptoms
Abdominal pain or cramps, usually in the lower half of the abdomen,Bloating,Bowel movements that are harder or looser than usual,Diarrhea, constipation or alternating between the two,Excess gas,Mucus in your poop (may look whitish)

Is there a cure/medications for ibs (irritable bowel syndrome) triggers and prevention?

Yes, there are a few medications by which IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) can be cured to some extent, but not completely. The symptoms of IBS can be manageable, and you can control them by improving your habits and diet as recommended by your doctor.

  • Doctors might advise avoiding certain food and drinks that increase trouble in your bowel system.
  • If one experiences gas, or bloating, then a doctor might suggest avoiding food that includes a high amount of gas. Avoid alcoholic beverages.
  • Have gluten-free food to avoid diarrhea.
  • If the problem becomes serious, then certain counseling is needed. Doctors may ask to take fiber supplements that contain enough fluid which can help in constipation. If this doesn't work, then the doctor may advise for laxatives such as magnesium hydroxide oral or polyethylene glycol.


Medications such as loperamide help in reducing diarrhea. They include,

  • Anti-diarrheal medications- that help in controlling diarrhea
  • Anticholinergic medications that helps in pain in the bowel
  • Tricyclic Antidepressants-that helps in managing depression level, but it is recommended to take this medication at night because certain side effects occur after taking this medication like blurred vision, fatigue, etc
  • Other medications include-
  • Alosetron is prescribed for severe diarrhea cases.
  • Eluxadoline is prescribed for reducing muscle contractions
  • Rifaximin decreases growth of bacteria
  • Lubiprostone increases fluid level in your body that helps in the passing of stool
  • Linaclotide, this too helps in increasing water level.


Conditions
Weight loss,Diarrhea at night,Rectal bleeding,Iron deficiency anemia,Unexplained vomiting,Difficulty swallowing,Persistent pain that isn't relieved by passing gas or a bowel movement
Drugs
Over-the-counter medications, loperamide (Imodium A-D),A bile acid binder, such as cholestyramine (Prevalite),Colestipol (Colestid) or colesevelam (Welchol)
Symptoms
Abdominal pain or cramps, usually in the lower half of the abdomen,Bloating,Bowel movements that are harder or looser than usual,Diarrhea, constipation or alternating between the two,Excess gas,Mucus in your poop (may look whitish)

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