Gut Health and IBS
If you have IBS, here’s how changes to the bacteria in your gut may affect symptoms.
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a chronic health condition that affects your gastrointestinal tract, including the stomach and intestines. This common ailment can lead to a host of uncomfortable symptoms, include abdominal pain, cramping, gas, bloating and diarrhea or constipation. Since symptoms are related to your digestive tract, it may come as no surprise that what’s going on inside your gut—called your gut microbiome—may affect symptoms of your IBS condition.
What is your gut microbiome?
Your gut microbiome (or microbiota) refers to the mix of bacteria and other microorganisms that live inside your digestive tract. These microorganisms not only affect digestion, but also metabolism, immune function, and other aspects of your health. Every person has a completely unique mix of microorganisms—trillions of them—and for the most part, they coexist without any issue.
When does your gut microbiome cause problems?
When the balance of organisms that coexist in your gut is disturbed, you may experience a number of health issues. An abnormal balance of gut bacteria has been linked to gastrointestinal issues such as ulcerative colitis, celiac disease, and Crohn’s disease. More research about the cause-and-effect relationship of gut bacteria and IBS still needs to be done.
What affects your gut microbiome?
There are many things that can affect the delicate mix of microorganisms in your gut. Your diet plays a major role in gut health. So do the medications you take. For example, taking certain antibiotics may kill off good bacteria, reducing the diversity of bacteria in your gut and disrupting the ecosystem. Other factors, such as genetics, underlying health issues, and even the environment may also affect gut health.
How can you improve your gut health?
The more diverse your gut bacteria, the better. One of the best ways to improve gut health is to eat a wide variety of fresh, healthy foods such as vegetables, fruits, beans, legumes and whole grains. The fiber stimulates the growth of gut bacteria. Fermented foods, such as yogurt, sauerkraut, kombucha, kimchi, kefir and tempeh, have also been shown to improve gut health because they are rich in lactobacilli, a beneficial type of bacteria. Some common diet changes include eating more fiber and avoiding gluten.
PIH Health Gastroenterology Specialist, Preeya Goyal MD says, “Although diet is one of the most common ways that people manage IBS symptoms, there’s not enough research to show it will fully prevent the condition from occurring.” She also says, “What works for someone else may not work for you. You may need to change what you eat for a few weeks before seeing if the changes produce any difference in symptoms. It’s always best to consult with your doctor.”
To learn more about digestive health services, visit PIHHealth.org/DHS or call 562.698.0306.
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Date Last Reviewed: February 16, 2023 Editorial Review: Andrea Cohen, Editorial Director, Baldwin Publishing, Inc. Contact Editor Medical Review: Perry Pitkow, MD Learn more about Baldwin Publishing Inc. editorial policy, privacy policy, ADA compliance and sponsorship policy. No information provided by Baldwin Publishing, Inc. in any article is a substitute for medical advice or treatment for any medical condition. Baldwin Publishing, Inc. strongly suggests that you use this information in consultation with your doctor or other health professional. Use or viewing of any Baldwin Publishing, Inc. article signifies your understanding and agreement to the disclaimer and acceptance of these terms of use.
