IRRITABLE BOWEL SYNDROME: SYMPTOMS AND WHAT TO EAT
IBS – Irritable Bowel Syndrome, or SII in Italian, is a chronic and multifactorial disorder that affects about 10-15% of the world’s population, with a higher incidence among women and people aged 20-50. It is often a disabling, compromising quality of everyday life, making it difficult to manage regularly. But how can you tell if you have an irritable bowel? What are the symptoms? And above all: what can you eat?
In this article we will answer all the most frequently asked questions in a clear and thorough way, providing practical guidance on symptoms, causes, recommended diet and useful supplements such as Probiogen by Eidon Salus, specifically formulated for intestinal well-being.
Irritable colon: symptoms and signs you shouldn’t underestimate
Irritable bowel or colon is a functional syndrome, which means that it does not present obvious organic alterations, but it manifests itself through a series of recurrent gastrointestinal symptoms. According to the diagnostic criteria of Rome IV, the main symptoms include:
- Recurrent abdominal pain or discomfort, occurring at least one day a week for the last three months;
- Alteration of the alvo frequency (constipation, diarrhea or alternation of both);
- Swelling, bloating, intestinal cramps;
- Feeling of incomplete evacuation;
- Mucus in stool.
These symptoms tend to improve after bowel movements, but may be aggravated by stress, improper nutrition and intestinal microbiota imbalances.
Where does it hurt?
Pain is often located in the lower abdomen, especially on the left, but can vary from subject to subject. It is usually a cramp form discomfort, associated with a sense of tension or heaviness, which can also radiate towards the back.
Causes of irritable bowel syndrome
The causes of irritable bowel syndrome aren’t completely clear yet, but a multifactorial origin has been recognized which includes:
- Altered intestinal motility;
- Low-grade intestinal mucosa inflammation;
- Intestinal dismicrobism, or an alteration of the bacterial flora;
- Visceral hypersensitivity;
- Chronic stress and anxiety;
- Consequences of gastrointestinal infections (post-infectious IBS).
A study published in Gut (Ford et al., 2020) found that 36% of patients with IBS present significant microbiota alterations, with reduced bacterial diversity and an increase in potentially pathogenic strains.
How to relieve irritable colon
An inflamed intestine requires an integrated approach which includes:
- Diet regulation;
- Stress reduction through relaxation techniques, yoga or cognitive-behavioral therapy;
- Supplementation with targeted probiotics;
- In some cases, use of antispasmodic drugs, osmotic laxatives or antidiarrheal, all under medical supervision.
Irritable colon: what to eat
Diet plays a key role in managing irritable bowel syndrome symptoms. An increasingly popular approach is the low-FODMAP (Fermentable Oligo-, Di-, Mono-saccharides and Polyols) diet, which has been shown to be effective in reducing bowel swelling, pain and irregularities.
Recommended foods in case of irritable bowel are:
- Rice, potatoes, corn, oats (gluten-free);
- Lean meat, fish, eggs;
- Zucchini, carrots, aubergines, lettuce (in moderate quantities);
- Unripe bananas, strawberries, blueberries;
- Dairy products or plant substitutes without additives;
- Fennel, mint or chamomile herbal teas.
What are the foods to avoid in case of irritable bowel?
- Legumes (especially chickpeas, lentils, beans);
- Milk and non-dairy products;
- Foods rich in fructose (apples, pears, honey);
- Onion, garlic, cauliflower, broccoli;
- Artificial sweeteners such as sorbitol, mannitol and xylitol;
- Fried, fatty or spicy foods;
- Carbonated drinks, alcohol and excess coffee.
Irritable colon: available care and treatments
There is no definitive cure for irritable bowel syndrome, but you can keep your symptoms under control with:
- Food education and healthy lifestyle;
- Behavioural therapies and stress management;
- Clinically validated probiotics;
- Symptomatic drugs (prescribed by a gastroenterologist).
The role of microbiota and the importance of probiotics
The intestinal microbiota is now considered one of the main protagonists in the pathogenesis that is irritable bowel syndrome. An alteration of the bacterial flora can contribute to the establishment and maintenance of symptoms which indicate irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), such as constipation, diarrhea, meteorism and abdominal pain.
Recent studies (Distrutti et al., World J Gastroenterol, 2022) have shown that microbiota modulation using selected probiotics can significantly improve symptoms in patients with IBS.
It is essential to choose specific and well-documented bacterial strains in order to achieve real benefits.
This is the reason why EIDON Salus chooses to offer Probiogen a complete and highly effective supplement, formulated to restore microbiota balance, regulate intestinal motility and promote the body’s general well-being, including mood.
At the root of Probiogen’s effectiveness is an innovative synergy between prebiotics, probiotics and a neurofunctional support:
- Contains 20 billion probiotics per daily dose, belonging to 5 selected bacterial strains (including Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bifidobacterium bifidum and Streptococcus thermophilus) able to effectively colonize the intestine.
- These microorganisms are protected thanks to a patented technology with Trehalose, an inert sugar that guarantees their vitality even in adverse environmental conditions, such as high temperatures or the effect of gastric juices.
- Contains Inulin, an essential prebiotic that both promotes the growth of good bacteria and improves intestinal function.
- Supplementation of the SAM-e compound (S-adenosil-methionine) helps to restore intestinal peristalsis and supports serotonergic function, helping improve the patient’s mood, often impaired when facing irritable bowel syndrome.
Probiogen is also enriched with:
- Echinacea purpurea, with immunomodulatory action,
- Vitamin C and Zinc, essential nutrients which contribute to the immune system’s normal function.
The supplement is indicated in case of:
- Constipation and diarrhea alternate
- Abdominal pain, burning, swelling and difficult digestion
- Diagnosed or suspected irritable colon
- Antibiotic dysbiosis, stress or poor diet
Taken regularly, Probiogen helps rebalance the gastrointestinal tract, alleviating symptoms and improving quality of life. Its action is not limited to the intestinal tract: by promoting a systemic balance and improving response to stress, it addresses IBS in a complete and integrated way.
Conclusion
Irritable colon (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) is a complex but manageable condition. With a correct diagnosis, a personalized diet and the help of supplements such as Probiogen, it is possible to significantly improve symptoms and quality of life. If you suspect you have IBS, talk to your doctor or an experienced nutritionist: your gut health is the first step towards your overall well-being.
