5 Surprising Causes of IBS: What You Need to Know

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common digestive disorder that affects up to 20% of the population. While the exact cause of IBS is unknown, there are several factors that can contribute to the development of the condition. Here are five surprising causes of IBS that you need to know about:

1. Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) is a condition in which there is an overgrowth of bacteria in the small intestine. This can lead to a range of symptoms, including bloating, gas, diarrhea, and constipation. SIBO has been found to be a common underlying cause of IBS, with up to 84% of IBS patients having SIBO. Treatment for SIBO may involve antibiotics or antimicrobials, a low FODMAP diet,

2. Gut dysbiosis is an imbalance in the gut microbiome, which can lead to inflammation and digestive issues. This not only includes excess bacteria like we see in SIBO, but even pathogenic bacteria, parasites, and fungi like Candida. Dysbiosis has been found to be a contributing factor to IBS, with one study showing that IBS patients had lower levels of beneficial bacteria in their gut compared to healthy individuals. A naturopathic approach to treating gut dysbiosis involves understanding the reason for the dysbiosis, doing stool testing to learn more about what the current ecosystem looks like, and treating the causes with antimicrobials, probiotics, enzymes, nutrients, dietary changes, and other interventions.

3. Food sensitivities are a common trigger for IBS symptoms. In fact, up to 65% of IBS patients may have food sensitivities. Common culprits include gluten, dairy, FODMAPs (fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols), and high inflammatory foods such as nightshades and legumes. Elimination diets, food sensitivity testing, and a food diary can be used to identify and avoid trigger foods, reducing symptoms and improving overall gut health.

4. Stress is a well-known trigger for IBS symptoms. The gut-brain axis is a complex system that connects the gut and the brain, allowing them to communicate with each other. Stress can disrupt this system, leading to changes in gut motility and sensitivity. Mind-body techniques such as meditation, yoga, and deep breathing can be effective in reducing stress and improving IBS symptoms.

5. Certain medications, such as antibiotics, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), can disrupt the gut microbiome and lead to digestive issues. If these are medications you use or have used in the past, it’s important to talk to your Naturopath about their potential impact on your gut health and discuss with your primary healthcare provider if these medications are indicated and what alternatives you have to minimize risk.

   IBS is a complex condition with a range of contributing factors. A naturopathic approach that addresses underlying causes and incorporates dietary changes, stress reduction techniques, and targeted supplementation may be an effective way to manage symptoms and improve overall gut health.

   In health,

   Dr. Renata, ND