What is IBS?
Irritable Bowel Syndrome, or IBS, is a gastrointestinal disorder that affects 10% of the population with symptoms ranging from mildly uncomfortable to extremely painful. The cause of IBS is not fully understood, but it's believed to be triggered from a combination of factors including bacterial overgrowth, abnormalities in gut motility, and the brain's interpretation of painful signals coming from the gut.
45 million people in the US are affected by IBS
60-65% of individuals who report IBS are female
4 out of 5 report pain as the most frequent factor contributing to the severity of their IBS
Understanding IBS
IBS is a neurogastrointestinal disorder, meaning that interactions between the gut and the brain are disrupted. This leads to complications in how the digestive system functions.
There are four subtypes of IBS defined by the symptoms experienced:
IBS-D:
Characterized when stool is loose or watery (diarrhea) more than 25% of the time.
IBS-C:
Characterized when there is a hard, lumpy, or over-solid stool that makes it difficult for the person suffering to have a regular bowel movement (constipation) more than 25% of the time.
IBS-M/IBS-A:
Characterized when IBS-D and IBS-C both occur in a mixed, or alternating frequency, each at least 25% of the time.
IBS-U:
This type of IBS is called unsubtyped, and is associated with symptoms that are not consistent with any of the parameters mentioned above.
History of IBS
- 1892: “Mucous colitis” was first described by Osler and stated that patients suffered from abdominal pain due to a disorder of passage through the colon.
- 1929: The term “irritable colon” first appeared in published research when Jordan and Kiefer used it to describe a neurogastrointestinal disorder present in 30% of gastroenterology outpatients.
- 1992: The current standard definition of IBS was reached by consensus at an international working party of experts in Rome.
- Today, scientists are still researching the main cause of IBS.
Symptoms
No two cases of IBS are the same. These are some of the symptoms that individuals with IBS may experience.
Abdominal Pain or Cramps
Excess Gas or Bloating
Diarrhea, Constipation, or Both
Mucous in Stool
Feelings of Incomplete Evacuation of Bowels
Anxiety or Depression
Treatment Options
The first step in treating IBS is diagnosing it. Speak with your health provider to reach a diagnosis. IBS can be managed by several different lifestyle changes and supplements which will help induce a positive impact on relieving symptoms.
Low FODMAP Diet
FODMAPS are carbohydrates that don’t absorb well into the small intestine. They build up and absorb in the intestine allowing bacteria to absorb it and ferment. This releases gas causing bloating and discomfort.
Fiber
Soluble fiber supplements and nutritional intake can be highly effective in treating IBS. It promotes healthy bowel movements working to prevent constipation and encourage smooth digestion.
Laxatives
This can be useful in alleviating digestion for IBS types C, M, and U. They work by softening the stool and increasing water retention.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
The release of stress-related hormones prime the body to release secondary hormones pertinent in inflammatory responses. By mitigating stress, you can reduce inflammatory immune stress responses which can cause bloating and discomfort.
Probiotics
These bacteria are very helpful in cultivating a healthy living environment for the gut microbiota, and help alleviate the IBS symptoms.
Regular Exercise
A minimum of 30 minutes a day of vigorous exercise reduces anxiety, lessens stress, and can improve gastrointestinal health.
resources
Live-streamed classes
Fitness/Wellness Classes
Join the GatorCare Wellness Team Monday-Thursday at 12 PM for a 15-minute live-streamed fitness or wellness class. Each day focuses on a different aspect of fitness and wellness, including cardio, strength training, meditation, and stretching. All fitness levels are welcome, and no equipment is needed!
Fitness class
Zumba
Looking for a fun way to get active? Join Zumba, the ultimate dance fitness party! Zumba boosts your energy by combining cardio, muscle conditioning, balance, and flexibility. Zumba is free to UF Health Shands and UF employees. Classes take place at UF Health Professional Park (3300 SW Williston Rd, Gainesville, FL) on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5:30 PM – 6:15 PM in room D102 (The Swamp). Sign up for a fun-filled workout!
Any Florida BLue Member 18+
Next Steps Health Coaching
Experience individualized health coaching with the Florida Blue Next Steps Health Coaching program. Health coaching is free for all Florida Blue members who are ages 18+ and is available through phone and email with a Registered Nurse Certified Health Coach.
During these one-on-one sessions, discuss health and wellness topics that matter to you.
Open to everyone
Walking Challenges
GatorCare hosts walking challenges for UF and UF Health employees (and family members!) via an online step-tracking platform called Walker Tracker. Using Walker Tracker makes it easier for you to track your daily steps and even compete against your coworkers and family to encourage you to reach your step goals. Walker Tracker can be accessed on a computer browser or via an app that is downloadable to your personal cell phone. You can sync your wearable activity-tracking device or you can manually enter your steps into the platform.
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