Conquer IBS: 3 steps to healthier digestion

In today’s short episode, Jonathan and Dr. Will ask: What exactly is irritable bowel syndrome, and how can new research help us unravel its mysteries?

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a lot more common than you might think. In fact, it affects 1 in 10 people globally. Yet there are still a lot of questions about why it occurs and how best to treat it.

Could new research connecting gut health to mental health help us unravel its mysteries?

In today’s short episode of ZOE Science & Nutrition, Jonathan and Dr. Will ask: What exactly is IBS, and how does it connect to our brains?

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Referenced in today’s episode:

[catherinemcgee]

How sad that we get better health advice from videos than in person office visits. Thank you for posting this. I found it very helpful.

[lilytea]

1:06: 🔬 Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a common and lifelong digestive condition characterized by abdominal pain and changes in bowel movements.
3:11: 😖 IBS is a condition that can cause stomach pain and changes in bowel movements, and it is diagnosed based on a pattern of symptoms rather than specific tests.
6:13: 🩺 IBS is characterized by changes in bowel movements, with four types: diarrhea, constipation, mixed, and unclassified.
9:19-10:05: 🔍 The doctor considers various possibilities for IBS symptoms, including chronic infections, celiac disease, food intolerances, small intestine bacterial overgrowth, and inflammatory bowel disease.
12:31: 🧠 Stress and anxiety are interconnected with the onset and improvement of symptoms in Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), which may be influenced by gut bacteria and nerve cell development.
15:14: ✅ Treatment for IBS can be individualized, but there are some general rules that can help improve symptoms.
17:58: 🧠 IBS is not mainly in our heads, but there is a brain-gut connection that is relevant to the condition.
21:09: 🌱 Dietary modification and other interventions can help improve gut health and manage symptoms of IBS.
Recap by Tammy AI

[Cas.]

I was diagnosed with IBS in my early 20s and I'm now almost 60. My symptoms have gradually got worse and it's so soul destroying.
I've been a vegetarian for 12 years and eaten a very healthy diet. After doing research I recently reluctantly decided to remove all the healthy beans, lentils, legumes from my diet, anything fermentable and I've started eating chicken and tuna. After only a week I feel better than I have in years. Normal bowel movements, no diahorrea anymore, bloating gone, and my chronic anxiety is way better. Some healthy foods do not necessarily agree with your stomach.

[MZONED]

In my experience, 'Emotion' is the key factor for IBS. Diet plays a part, and getting on a diet, that delivers the least amount of winda fn irritation... But Emotions (anxiety, over excitement, unhappiness, worry for others, lack of social interaction, fears, loneliness, lack of reward) and the gut connection to it

[meryle.hawkins]

Many thanks for this. I have IBS and my doctor is no help at all. This video has given me all the information I need at no cost. Thank you again.

[joansmith]

I am almost 70 years old and have had IBS symptoms since my teens. I really appreciate your discussion, makes me feel like it's not all in my head. Thank you!

[KarenBarnettAuthor]

After struggling with IBS for over 25 years, discovering the low-FODMAP diet was a life changer! My gut health improved almost overnight and also my anxiety. I know anxiety can trigger IBS attacks, but I think—in my case—anxiety was triggered by my poor gut health.

[hawklord]

My mother had IBS which started at about 65 years of age, I spent years persuading her to use Organic and I set her up with a organic delivery direct from the farm to her every month, her IBS disapeared after about three months of only eating Organic foods.

[jassanghera]

IBS is real for those suffering with it. Power of Gut and Brain is real. Work on your stress factor. Good Podcast Dr B spot on!

[schatz]

Also want to comment on what our lives are like when all of a sudden we have to go to the bathroom with no warning and nothing can stop it. It comes on like a freight train and is so embarrassing. If anyone else has experienced this we know this is no joke

[susanchristian]

I was diagnosed with IBS in my early 60s, 10 or 12 years ago. A lot of tests ruled out anything else, and it was decided the IBS had been triggered by a compylobacter infection. It's got better over the years, but is still triggered by some foods - tomatoes, mushrooms, chocolate, and anything with a lot of sugar. It doesn't stop me eating those things, but I'm just careful not to eat them to excess. Another thing that can bring on an attack these days is stress, and that's harder to cut out of life than certain foods!

[lamb-in-Christ]

So refreshing to see a doctor teaching health who is a radiant example of health, wellness, and fitness. (And super educated/articulate, too!) Dr Will is resetting the bar…!

[betzib]

I have it all the time. It simply is an inability of the brain and colon to have a congenial conversation about what the colon needs to have happen. Somewhere along the nerve pathway the conversation is either dropped...or becomes combative. If anyone can control it...that's wonderful...I have never been able to keep it from ruling my life. I have always wondered how people can plan a day or an activity. When someone asks me when I can do something I never have any idea when I can do anything. I have to ask my colon.

[azzzonline]

Thank you for this very informative video on IBS. A Dr like you, would have been a blessing to see! I wouldn't have had to suffer for as long as I did, (17 years). Was diagnosed with IBS-D after all test couldn't find anything conclusive. A friend told me about what Naturopathic Dr do, so I made an appointment with a Naturopathic Dr who found the cause and from there I was able to get the necessary medical treatment. Today I am pain free, side debilitating cramps gone and very very minimal diarreah now.

[cypeman]

More help than any visit to my doctors office. I'm in the process of altering my diet, and doing nicely, thanks to Zoe and this video.
Thank you.

[paganqueen]

I had IBS for years or so the doctor told me. I recently did my own little experiments and found out I am in fact coeliac. Very dangerous not to be testing people with the symptoms I had. I don’t eat gluten now and my bouts of extreme pain, vomiting and diarrhoea and virtual unconsciousness have stopped. I was often at the point where I didn’t want to live any more because of the incredible pain I suffered. I have had 4 children and would have 4 more rather than go through that pain.

[Spencer]

This is incredible, the most accurate description of IBS. For years i been dealing with IBS-C, i had to completely change the way i eat. For me, i can't find fried foods, no dairy, and no fat-free cheese. I really niss that, i dont eat sweets. But i still get occasional constipation and bloating, i cant eat anymore rice. Its difficult for me, so niw i eat soups, lentils, ground turkey, ground chicken, fruits and vegetables, i use to not be able to eat oat meal, i can now but even oat meal gives me slightly constipation

[sue]

i have IBS and eliminating dairy and gluten was the best decision i made. it doesn’t mean i am cured. i think a lot of factors also contribute like stress hormones but a the elimination works a lot to remove a big chunk of the pain

[janicelovett]

I have IBS and find that using IBgard which are peppermint oil capsules really help. Also since it is related to my stress and anxiety I do the breathing and also tapping. As I tap the points I say - I add empowered, I am strong, I am loved, although I am anxious, although I have pain, I choose to relax and I love and accept myself. I sit in a quiet room and do that for 10 minutes and then I am more relaxed with a lot less pain.

[AlanJ]

I've always assumed I had IBS because of constant and real bad diarrhea. However I have never suffered from abdominal pain. My bowel movements would fluctuate from diarrhea for about 5 days to constipation for about 5 days and that cycle continued for a couple of years. At thas time I weighed roughly 230lbs and I've gradually reduced to it's present level of 190 lbs. I very rarely have any issues now because of a dietary change. Gone are the pasta dishes, cereals, dairy from cow milk, processed foods. I now consume loads of greens, low sugar content fruits, grass fed meats and fermented foods like kefir and saurkraut. The cheese I eat now is sheep or goat milk cheese. I also eat a lot of nuts, brazil and pumkin nuts, prunes and figs. The change in diet has been a life saver.