Understanding Your IBS Symptoms

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a chronic gastrointestinal disorder, affecting an estimated 10-15% of the worldwide population. IBS can affect anyone - from children to adults and both men and women. However, it is a lot more prevalent among women - especially due to the hormonal changes women experience throughout their lives. IBS impacts the normal function of the digestive tract with common symptoms including:

• Bloating
• Abdominal pain
• Constipation
• Loose stool
• Cramping
• Flatulence

A lot of these symptoms also show up for different gastrointestinal conditions, making IBS difficult to diagnose which can lead to confusion and long-term suffering if not diagnosed properly. In this blog post, we will look at both common and less obvious symptoms of IBS. We want to help you recognise and understand your symptoms more - to help you feel less isolated and start to create a plan to deal with your symptoms and be able to communicate better with your GP so they can prescribe the best treatment for you. IBS symptoms differ from person to person, therefore treatment plans can also look completely different. Common IBS Symptoms Let's first take a look at the more talked about symptoms of IBS. Symptoms are generally categorised into subtypes:

• IBS-C (constipation dominated)
• IBS-D (diarrhoea dominated)
• IBS-M (mixed)
• IBS-U (unclassified)

Abdominal Pain and Cramping Description: Abdominal pain is one of the hallmark symptoms of IBS. This pain is often described as cramping, sharp, or aching and is commonly located in the lower abdomen. Triggers and Relief: This pain typically flares up after eating and can be alleviated by bowel movements. However, this relief is often temporary, as pain can recur quickly. Reason: Abdominal pain in IBS is attributed to visceral hypersensitivity, which is an increased sensitivity to pain within the digestive tract. Bloating and Excessive Gas Description: Many people with IBS experience bloating and an increase in gas production. Bloating can lead to a distended abdomen and a feeling of fullness. Triggers and Relief: Eating certain high-FODMAP foods, carbonated drinks, and stress can exacerbate bloating. Over-the-counter products like activated charcoal or dietary changes may help reduce gas. Reason: IBS can interfere with the gut’s normal gas production and expulsion, causing bloating to feel excessive. Diarrhoea or Constipation Description: Diarrhoea and constipation are common IBS symptoms. Some people may experience only one of these, while others may alternate between both. Triggers and Relief: Stress, diet, and certain foods can trigger either diarrhoea or constipation. Many people find relief through dietary adjustments, stress management, and in some cases, prescribed medication. Reason: The bowel movements are impacted by an irregular gut motility pattern in people with IBS, leading to diarrhoea or constipation. Changes in Stool Appearance and Frequency Description: In IBS, stool appearance can vary significantly, ranging from loose, watery stools to hard, lumpy stools. This inconsistency is often accompanied by a sudden urgency to use the bathroom, particularly in cases of diarrhoea. Reason: The digestive tract’s movement can be unpredictable in IBS, resulting in inconsistent stool textures and frequencies. Less Common Symptoms of IBS As well as the common symptoms we have broken down above, there are also less talked about symptoms. The following symptoms could be confused for other issues due to them not being directly related with the gut, however it is important to understand that they may still be connected to the body's response to IBS. Nausea and Loss of Appetite Description: Nausea, a queasy feeling in the stomach, is a less common but significant symptom of IBS, and it can result in a loss of appetite. For some, nausea might only occur during an IBS flare-up, while others might experience it more regularly. Reason: Nausea in IBS sufferers could be due to a disrupted digestive process, where food moves too slowly or too quickly through the gut, causing discomfort. Muscle and Joint Pain Description: Surprisingly, IBS can sometimes lead to muscle aches and joint pain. This may manifest as stiffness, back pain, or even discomfort in other areas, particularly during flare-ups. Reason: The gut-brain connection plays a role here. Chronic IBS symptoms and stress can influence the perception of pain elsewhere in the body, amplifying muscle and joint pain. It could also be down to your body reacting to cramps - causing tension in the body. Fatigue and Low Energy Description: Fatigue and a general sense of low energy are often reported by those with IBS. This is not the regular tiredness people feel after a busy day; rather, it’s a draining feeling that impacts daily life. Reason: The body’s energy is diverted to managing gut pain and discomfort, resulting in feelings of fatigue. It could also be down to disrupted sleep if you are experiencing IBS Flare-ups at night. Headaches and Migraines Description: Headaches and migraines are sometimes reported by people with IBS, particularly during flare-ups. These may be mild to severe and can add to the distress experienced during IBS episodes. Reason: There is a well-documented connection between IBS and migraines. The exact cause isn’t clear, but it’s thought that inflammation, stress, and the gut-brain connection might play a role. Mental Health Symptoms: Anxiety and Depression Description: IBS is often linked to mental health issues like anxiety and depression. Some individuals may even experience panic attacks or heightened stress responses in relation to their IBS symptoms. Reason: Living with chronic discomfort can understandably take a toll on mental health. Additionally, the gut-brain axis—a connection between the gut and the central nervous system—can mean that disruptions in the gut impact brain function, and vice versa. Managing IBS Symptoms: Common and Not-So-Common IBS management often requires a personalised approach, as each person’s symptoms and triggers can vary. Below are strategies that may help alleviate both common and lesser-known symptoms. Dietary Adjustments Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) can often be managed with diet and lifestyle changes, although this may vary depending on the individual's unique experience. Eating a balanced diet is key to managing IBS; avoiding overly processed, high-fat, or sugary foods can help reduce symptoms. Although certain foods may trigger IBS in one person, they may not affect another individual, so it is important to work closely with a doctor or dietitian to determine which foods are best for your situation. Additionally, exercising regularly can help improve digestion and reduce symptoms like bloating and abdominal pain. By focusing on healthy habits such as these, individuals living with IBS can manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life. The low-FODMAP diet is one of the most effective dietary approaches for IBS. By limiting fermentable carbohydrates, individuals often experience fewer symptoms. Avoiding trigger foods like caffeine, alcohol, fatty foods, and high-fructose items can also help. Stress Management Because stress and IBS are closely linked, stress-relief techniques can be valuable. Mindfulness meditation, yoga, deep breathing exercises, and spending time in nature are all beneficial. Therapy: Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and gut-directed hypnotherapy have shown promise in managing IBS symptoms. Probiotics and Supplements At Ferrocalm, we are dedicated to promoting holistic well-being through our carefully curated supplement. Ferrocalm is designed to support not just specific health concerns, but also your overall wellness journey, we are proud to have a proven record of calming gut conditions and supporting digestive health. Ferrocalm is specially formulated to be gentle on the stomach. Our team of expert gut scientists have created a food supplement using friendly live bacteria that can flourish in the gut - even during a flare-up and that have gut soothing properties. Furthermore, Ferrocalm’s coated capsule has a delayed release, surviving the journey through the stomach and small intestine to break down in the largest intestine, where it’s needed most. Sleep Routine Quality sleep is essential for managing both physical and mental symptoms of IBS. Practicing good sleep hygiene—such as keeping a regular sleep schedule, avoiding caffeine late in the day, and creating a relaxing bedtime routine—can significantly improve fatigue and help manage symptoms.

Prevention is better than cure

We believe that maintaining a healthy gut is fundamental to overall health and well-being. By incorporating the right probiotics, prebiotics, digestive enzymes and fibres into your diet, you can support a balanced and thriving gut microbiome avoiding imbalances and poor gut health. Our easy to take supplement demonstrates just how we are committed to providing a supplement that not only targets specific health needs but also contributes to your overall health.