Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is one of the most common disorders of the digestive tract. IBS is a functional disorder characterized by chronic, nonspecific symptoms. These can include abdominal pain, cramps, constipation, diarrhea, or bloating. Functional means that no pathological or biochemical changes (such as cancer, acute or chronic inflammation, or food intolerances) are present in the gastrointestinal tract. This diagnostic exclusion procedure is particularly important to avoid misdiagnoses.
The concentration of biomarkers, such as calprotectin and lactoferrin, in stool samples can help differentiate between organic and functional bowel diseases. This specific diagnostic procedure can be performed by a general practitioner.
The exact causes of irritable bowel syndrome are unknown. However, connections with genetic predisposition, an imbalance of gut bacteria, a prior inflammation, or a disorder in the enteric nervous system (a network of nerves throughout the digestive tract) are discussed. Psychological stress, such as anxiety or tension, can also negatively influence the condition. Depending on the leading symptom, three IBS types are distinguished: constipation type, diarrhea type, and pain-bloating type.
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Dietary Principle:
It is generally recommended to eat several small meals daily to keep food volume low. Individuals with the constipation type should focus on a fiber-rich diet, gradually increased. Insoluble fibers, especially psyllium, form mucilages that positively affect stool consistency and frequency.
Soluble fibers, such as acacia fiber, serve as food for beneficial gut bacteria and support a healthy gut flora.
Adequate fluid intake of about two to three liters per day is important. For the diarrhea type, easily digestible, low-fiber, and pectin-rich foods like apples and carrots are suitable. Soluble fibers relieve symptoms, as their high water-binding capacity positively affects stool regulation. The pain-bloating type experiences severe gas; symptoms can be reduced by avoiding foods that promote bacterial gas formation, such as legumes, onions, or leeks, and by drinking teas like anise-fennel-caraway, peppermint, or chamomile, which are antispasmodic and aid digestion.
It is scientifically proven that biologically active bacterial cultures have a positive effect on irritable bowel syndrome. Products containing Bifidobacterium lactis can significantly reduce cramp-like pain and bloating.
Conclusion:
The development of irritable bowel syndrome depends on various factors. Typically, sufferers experience abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea, or bloating. Biologically active bacterial cultures can significantly reduce these symptoms. Excluding pathological causes medically is essential, and therapy should be tailored to the leading symptoms.
Sources:
T. Frieling, M. Fried, 2017: Irritable Bowel and Stomach; online at: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11377-016-0138-9
C. Beglinger, P. Michetti, G. Rogler, F. Seibold, A. Straumann, 2011: Measuring Fecal Calprotectin – a biomarker suitable for practice; online at: https://serval.unil.ch/resource/serval:BIB_5E3C35F4FFD9.P001/REF
E. Höfler, P. Sprengart, 2nd edition, 2018: Practical Dietetics – Principles, Goals, and Implementation of Nutritional Therapy
M. Smollich, A. Vogelreuter, 2nd edition, 2018: Food Intolerances, Lactose – Fructose – Histamine – Gluten
