Neither diarrhea nor constipation is normal, and you keep cycling between the two of them. Either everything comes out all at once, unformed, mushy, or even watery, or you can’t defecate for days.
If your stools are inconsistent — whether or not you also have abdominal or gut pain — you may have a condition known as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Researchers estimate that up to 45 million women, men, and kids in the United States have IBS. The classic symptom cluster for IBS includes:
At Colon and Rectal Surgeons of Greater Hartford, we stay on the cutting-edge of colorectal research. Our colorectal experts incorporate new insights into why some individuals may develop IBS into our treatment protocols at our offices in Bloomfield, Hartford, Manchester, and South Windsor, Connecticut.
Do you keep cycling through constipation and diarrhea? Here’s what to do if you have IBS.
You may have heard about the gut microbiome, which refers to the microscopic world of trillions of bacteria and other organisms that live within your intestines. Your gut microbiome interacts with many other organs and systems in your body.
If the proportion of “good” bacteria to “bad” bacteria in your gut is out of whack, you may experience everything from digestive troubles to depression. In fact, recent research into IBS has found that women and men who suffer from the condition have low levels of a bacterium called L. mucosae in their stools, when compared to the stools of healthy people.
The L. mucosae bacterium produces an enzyme that your body needs in order to create serotonin. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that influences your mood.
Low levels of serotonin can lead to depression — another possible symptom of IBS. In addition, serotonin controls bowel movements through the gut-brain axis.
Other research has linked IBS to depression and anxiety. Both of these mental health disorders are characterized by low levels of serotonin.
Increasing good fiber through your diet can help feed L. mucosae and other beneficial gut bacteria that regulate your bowel movements and your mood. The first step is to eliminate low-fiber, low-nutrient foods, such as fast food and ultraprocessed foods, and then add in healthy, whole foods such as vegetables and fruits.
Unfortunately, one of the most frustrating aspects of IBS is that there may not be a one-size-fits-all diet that alleviates your symptoms and avoids triggering flares. You may have sensitivities to certain foods that are liable to trigger diarrhea or constipation in you, but not in another person who has IBS.
Keep a food diary that also tracks when you have abdominal or gut symptoms. You may find that you need to eliminate certain foods that are likely to provoke reactions.
While foods high in fiber, such as beans and some grains, may help you form good stools, they can also produce excess gas and bloating. You must experiment to find what works for you.
You may also benefit from eliminating a category of fresh, usually healthy foods that are characterized as FODMAPs (fermentable, oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols). FODMAPs that many IBS sufferers find they need to avoid include:
You may do better with:
Some people also have reactions to tomatoes and eggplants, which come from the nightshade family. Again, your food diary helps you make the best choices for your own gut and comfort. Another common sensitivity includes a sensitivity to eggs.
Chronic stress makes chronic conditions like IBS worse. Find ways to take mental and emotional breaks throughout the day, so that your gut gets a rest. Consider:
We can also help you find medications or other therapies that can keep you comfortable as you introduce new foods to your gut bacteria.
If you suffer from diarrhea, constipation, or an alternation of both, contact our colorectal experts by phone or online form at the location nearest you for IBS relief today.
