Misconceptions about IBS
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is not a popular topic of conversation, but considering how common it is, perhaps it should be discussed more often. Experts estimate that up to 20% of the population suffers from IBS, although the majority of sufferers are rather misinformed when it comes to the nature and treatment of their disease.
Although it’s chronic and extremely uncomfortable, IBS is not as unpredictable and uncontrollable as you might imagine. It’s also not as serious as some other intestinal diseases, which makes it particularly important to get an accurate diagnosis as soon as possible. Start by breaking through these misconceptions about IBS to find out what’s really at the root of the problem.
1. IBS Is Caused by Certain Foods
Although food choices certainly play a role in your IBS symptoms, they’re not entirely to blame. In fact, what you ingest has nothing to do with the fact that you have IBS — your condition is tied to the processes that are happening inside your body, regardless of what you ate for lunch.
Although IBS is still fairly mysterious, experts suspect that the nerves in the intestines, an imbalance of bacteria in the colon, and/or food allergies are at the source of IBS. None of these are universal; your specific case could be traced to any combination of root causes. In any case, what you eat and drink can certainly lead to worse symptoms, and that means careful eating is crucial.
Resources
EverdayHealth (Common IBS Misconceptions)IBS Treatment Center (4 Common Misconceptions about Irritable Bowel Syndrome)AboutHealth (Top 10 Myths About Irritable Bowel Syndrome)IFFGD (IBS in Men: A Different Disease?)Mayo Clinic (Colon Cancer/ Risk Factors)
Not surprisingly, IBS and sleep don’t mix very well. Physical discomfort interferes with your ability to relax, and pain or stress can keep you awake.
