The exact cause of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is unknown. While there are distinct physiological processes that can be observed, some potential causes have been enumerated below:

1. Problems with Muscle Contraction and Relaxation in the intestine:

During normal circumstances our muscle linings in the intestines help in moving food along the digestive tract. These muscles would intermittently contract and relax so that the food may pass through smoothly. This process is disturbed in people with Irritable Bowel Syndrome. If the contractions of muscles in the intestine are stronger and lasts for a longer duration, bloating, gas or diarrhoea might occur. However, when the contractions are weak and takes longer, the passing of food becomes slow and often the stool gets dried and hard in the process resulting in IBS.

2. Psychological Factors:

Johns Hopkins Medicine reports that approximately 40-60% of patients with IBS who seek medical care also have psychiatric symptoms, including depression, anxiety or somatization. In fact, history of abuse also has a direct positive correlation with the severity of symptoms. A stressful childhood might also significantly contribute to the development of IBS. Although it is important to remember that stress doesn’t cause IBS, it might exacerbate condition and therefore often act as an important trigger.

3. Neurotransmitter Related Factors:

Abnormalities in the nerves present in the digestive system may also cause a greater sensation of discomfort and pain among patients with Irritable Bowel Syndrome. There might be an insufficient coordination between signals between the brain and the intestines in IBS patients that make their bodies overreact to normally occurring digestive process. This abnormality may also result in diarrhoea, constipation and pain. Hormones may also play an important factor in IBS.

4. Foreign bodies:

Bacterial overgrowth in the intestine may lead to IBS. In fact, it has often been observed that after a bout of severe diarrhoea caused either by a bacteria or virus, IBS symptoms have developed or enhanced. In fact, researchers have found that people with IBS have a different composition of gut bacteria than people without IBS.

5. Genetics:

Hereditary factors may also have significant contribution in developing IBS.

In addition to these causes, it has often been found that sudden buildup of stress and having certain types of foods and beverages, including wheat, dairy products, citrus fruits, beans, cabbage, milk and carbonated drinks could act as a trigger in enhancing IBS.

Now that you know the causes, there’s a good news for you. Managing IBS with diet is easy with a dietitian. They tailor a personalized plan, often focusing on low-FODMAP foods, fiber intake, and food triggers. FODMAP stands for Fermentable Oligosaccharides, Disaccharides, Monosaccharides, and Polyols. These are short-chain carbohydrates and sugar alcohols found in certain foods. Monitoring portions and meal timing helps alleviate symptoms. A nutritionist provides ongoing support and adjustments, ensuring a balanced diet that minimizes IBS discomfort and promotes overall gut health.