Some types of anti-depressants when prescribed at a low
dose have been found to offer relief to some people with
IBS even when depression is not a feature. Although the
exact mechanisms involved are not completely understood, it
is believed that altering serotonin levels can have a
positive effect on the digestive system. Before we look at
why, we should clarify what IBS actually is.
What is IBS?
IBS or irritable bowel syndrome is a complex disorder which
manifests itself in a combination of symptoms affecting the
digestive tract such as diarrhoea, constipation or both
along with abdominal pain, bloating, a sense of urgency to
pass a bowel movement particularly in the morning or twenty
minutes or so after eating, straining, and a feeling that
the bowels haven't emptied properly after performing a
bowel movement. Not everyone of course will experience all
of these symptoms and for some the symptoms might be mild
and only a slight inconvenience whereas for others they can
be so debilitating that they significantly reduce quality
of life.
What can cause IBS?
No one knows exactly what causes IBS because there appears
to be many different factors that can contribute to the
development of IBS in some people. For example, IBS can be
triggered by diet and food intolerances, some people
develop IBS after a particularly stressful even in their
lives and others have found that their IBS started after a
gastrointestinal infection or even after taking a course of
antibiotics. However, many researchers believe that the
root cause of IBS symptoms lies in the Enteric Nervous
System (ENS) which has a direct connection with the brain,
and the role that serotonin has to play.
Serotonin and the gut
Serotonin is an extremely important neurotransmitter
involved in brain function, basically it is the "feel good"
chemical in our brains. However most of the serotonin
actually resides in the gut. Serotonin helps to regulate
our moods, appetite, sleep, and pain sensitivity and plays
an important role in motility, the process of propelling
the contents of the gut through the digestive tract and
towards the anus. This shows just how much the brain and
the gut are inter-linked. Indeed, IBS is thought to be a
malfunction in brain-gut communication.
We already know that serotonin affects the nerves in the
gut and that it helps to control peristalsis so if we have
low levels of serotonin in the gut then this process is
likely to be more sluggish, which of course can result in
constipation. If, on the other hand, the levels are high,
then this process is likely to be speeded up resulting in
diarrhoea. Many people with IBS have been found to have
altered levels of serotonin depending on whether their IBS
was diarrhoea or constipation predominant.
What this also suggests of course is that as the brain and
the gut are connected, anything that has an impact on the
brain may also have an impact on the digestive system, such
as intense stress or anxiety. If this is the case then
perhaps by treating the underlying anxiety and finding ways
of avoiding stress whilst also treating the symptoms of IBS
itself it is possible to find relief from IBS and improve
quality of life.
Stress is already known to exacerbate the symptoms of IBS,
probably because any type of stress can also be felt in the
gut. You only need to imagine the nervous feelings in the
pit of your stomach you experience before an important exam
or a driving test for example, to see how stress can affect
the digestive system.
Tips for coping with IBS
As IBS is a long term disorder that is likely to last a
lifetime then it makes sense to make long term changes in
order to find ways of coping with IBS on a day to day
basis. This inevitably will involve both dietary and
lifestyle modifications.
Try eliminating any foods or drinks from the diet that
irritate the digestive tract and/or worsen the symptoms of
IBS and increase the amount of soluble fibre in the diet.
It is absolutely vital to drink plenty of fluids to help
keep the digestive system working efficiently.
Find ways of reducing the amount of stress in your life.
Make sure you indulge in regular exercise as this helps
keep the bowels healthy and is also good for your state of
mind. Even a half hour walk several times a week can do
wonders for your mental health and at the same time help to
ease IBS symptoms. Perhaps try learning some relaxation
techniques like breathing exercises, or take up yoga or
practice meditation. The most important thing is that you
enjoy what you do.
Finally, mealtimes should be stress free as much as
possible. Take time over your meals and avoid the
temptation to skip meals or to eat too much at one sitting.
The ultimate key here is balance.
----------------------------------------------------
The author- Dave McEvoy is an award winning personal
trainer with over 20 years experience; he has also suffered
from IBS for 15 years.
http://www.ibs-symptom-relief.co.uk
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