IBS Remedies NYC - Dr. Alicia Armitstead

"IBS does not cause inflammation or damage to your intestines, unlike inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). However, it is still important to treat IBS to prevent complications and improve your well-being."

-Dr. Alicia Armitstead

Natural Remedies for Irritable Bowel Syndrome at the Healing Arts NYC Health and Wellness Center in Manhattan NY and Connecticut

What is Irritable Bowel Syndrome?

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a gastrointestinal tract disorder. It is characterized by symptoms that include abdominal pain and or abdominal bloating and changes in the consistency of bowel movements, which may be diarrhea, constipation, or often both. IBS is a chronic condition that needs to be managed long-term.

IBS does not make changes to bowel tissue or increase your risk of colorectal cancer. Still, it can affect your quality of life and lead to complications such as hemorrhoids or malnutrition. It is important to see a doctor when you have persistent or severe symptoms of IBS.

Types of IBS

There are four types of IBS, based on your symptoms and how often you have a bowel movement. They are:

• IBS with constipation (IBS-C): This type of IBS causes hard or lumpy stools that are difficult or infrequent to pass. You may also have abdominal pain, bloating and straining. About 25% of people with IBS have this type.

• IBS with diarrhea (IBS-D): This type of IBS causes loose or watery stools that are frequent or urgent to pass. You may also have abdominal pain, cramps and gas. About 25% of people with IBS have this type.

• IBS with mixed bowel habits (IBS-M) or alternating constipation and diarrhea (IBS-A): This type of IBS causes both hard and soft stools that vary in frequency and consistency. You may also have abdominal pain, bloating and discomfort. About 50% of people with IBS have this type.

• IBS unclassified (IBS-U): This type of IBS does not fit into any of the above categories because your symptoms are not consistent enough to meet the criteria for any specific type. You may still have abdominal pain and changes in bowel habits that affect your quality of life.

Your type of IBS may also change over time, so it is important to monitor your symptoms regularly and report any changes to Dr. Armitstead.

Some people with IBS may also have other symptoms that are not related to the intestine, such as:

• Migraine headaches
• Sleep disturbances
• Anxiety or depression
• Fibromyalgia
• Chronic pelvic pain

The symptoms of IBS may come and go over time. Certain foods, stress, hormonal changes, or other factors may trigger them. Some people with IBS have mild symptoms that they can manage well. However, others have severe symptoms that affect their quality of life and daily activities.

Common Causes of IBS

The exact cause of IBS is not known, but experts think that a combination of factors may play a role. These factors include:

• Muscle contractions in the intestine that are unusually strong or weak, affecting how food moves through your digestive tract.

• Nervous system issues that cause your body to overreact to normal changes in your digestion, resulting in pain, diarrhea, or constipation.

• Severe infection or bacterial overgrowth in your intestines that may trigger or worsen IBS symptoms.

• Early life stress or trauma that may affect how your brain and gut interact.

• Food intolerances or sensitivities that may cause digestive symptoms when you eat certain foods.

• Genetic factors that may make some people more prone to developing IBS.

IBS is a disorder of gut-brain interaction, meaning that problems with how your brain and gut work together may affect how your body functions and cause IBS symptoms.

What Can Happen If Irritable Bowel Syndrome is Untreated?

If you don't treat IBS, you may experience complications that can affect your physical and mental health. Some of these complications include:

• Anal fissures: These are small tears in your anus that can cause pain, bleeding, and itching. They may result from straining or pushing hard to have a bowel movement.

• Fecal impaction: This is when stool becomes stuck in your rectum, and you can't pass it. You may need medical help to remove it. It can cause abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting.

• Hemorrhoids: These are swollen veins in your anus or lower rectum that can bleed or hurt. They may be caused by excessive straining or pressure on the veins.

• Malnutrition: This is when you don't get enough nutrients from your diet. It can happen if you avoid certain foods that trigger your symptoms or if you have diarrhea that causes dehydration and electrolyte imbalance. It can lead to weight loss, weakness, and other problems.

• Rectal prolapse: This is when part of your rectum comes out of your anus. It can cause mucus leakage, infection, and difficulty passing stool. It is more common in older women who have chronic constipation.

• Poor quality of life: IBS can affect your daily activities, work, school, and social life. You may feel anxious, depressed, or isolated because of your symptoms. You may also have trouble sleeping or coping with stress.

IBS does not cause inflammation or damage to your intestines, unlike inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). However, it is still important to treat IBS to prevent complications and improve your well-being.

Additional References

• Healing IBS Naturally - A Case Study by Dr. Armitstead
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome - Mayo Clinic
• What's causing your IBS - Harvard Health
• Types of IBS: Are you a C, D, M or U? - Mindset Health