FAQ - What are gastrointestinal symptoms (IBS)?

Gastrointestinal symptoms (IBS)

Anyone can suffer from gastrointestinal problems from time to time. The food we digest is necessary to make sure our body get all the nutrients it needs for energy and growth. Problems with the digestive tract may therefore affect the proper absorption of nutrients in the body.

The five most common gastrointestinal complaints are:

Heartburn

One in five Dutch people have experienced acid reflux. Gastric acid in the stomach is needed to properly digest the food. Heartburn causes a painful burning sensation in the oesophagus and radiates, usually to the chest and throat. At the end of the oesophagus is a sphincter (LES) that opens briefly when food is entering the stomach and is again closed. A good barrier between the oesophagus and stomach is necessary to prevent the food going in the wrong direction, but also avoids that the stomach acid comes into contact with the oesophagus. When the sphincter malfunctions one get’s heartburn. If you regularly suffer from heartburn it can lead to an inflammatory irritation of the oesophagus that is called oesophagitis.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Irritable bowel syndrome affects mostly women between the ages of 30-50 years old. Symptoms can range from mild to very severe. One can suffer from the following:

1. abdominal cramps
2. wind (flatulence)
3. bloating
4. problems bowel, alternating constipation and diarrhoea
5. despite urgency the absence of bowel

These symptoms may be caused by food, medication, stress or living an irregular lifestyle. Irritable bowel syndrome cannot be cured, but can be well managed, if you stick to a good, healthy, varied diet and lifestyle.

Constipation

Constipation is associated with pain and irregular bowel movements. Signs of constipation are:

1. bowel movement less than 3 times a week
2. abdominal bloating/cramping
3. pain during bowel movements
4. after defecation still having a ' full ' feeling

Although constipation is uncomfortable, it usually is not a serious problem. Constipation can be prevented by taking into account the following:

1. drink 2 litres of water a day (filtered water)
2. eat more fiber food
3. exercise 4 times a week

Diarrhoea

When one has three or more loose stools per day accompanied by cramps, then you are suffering from diarrhoea. It is usually not a serious threat to health, but it can be very uncomfortable.

Diarrhoea can be caused in part by:

1. eating a diet high in fat
2. food poisoning
3. allergy to milk products (lactose intolerance)
4. consuming too much caffeine, artificial sweeteners or certain additives
5. drugs/medications, especially antibiotics
6. gastrointestinal diseases such as irritable bowel syndrome and Crohn's disease

Diarrhoea causes dehydration, therefore it is very important to drink enough water.

Flatulence

Food that is difficult to digest, can be stuck in the colon (especially meat, can stay in the colon for 3-5 days). This causes flatulence. People with lactose intolerance may also suffer from flatulence. It also occurs when certain vegetables such as beans, cabbage, peppers or broccoli are not properly digested. Flatulence can be prevented, when the daily diet is changed, in those who suffer from it. They must avoid those foods that cause them flatulence and replace them with other alternative produce.

Note:
BeauNu doesn't diagnose. BeauNu disclaimer. The information and advice provided on this website is not a substitute for medical advice. If you are concerned about your health or have any symptoms you should consult your GP/healthcare provider.