Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), is the most common functional digestive disorder in the world.
It is a group of digestive symptoms, which includes colic, abdominal pain and swelling, constipation and/or diarrhea, and gas. Although it is a relatively common condition, IBS is often misunderstood, mainly its causes, treatments and ways to prevent it. Here we review the most common myths around it.
Myth 1: IBS is a rare condition
Truth: As we pointed out, IBS is the most common functional digestive disorder in the world. The discomfort it causes can occur for a long time (in some cases, years) with periods of exacerbation or improvement.
Its prevalence varies according to the different regions of the world. For example, in the US it is estimated that it affects between 10 and 15% of the population, in Europe between 5 and 15%, in Mexico around 20%, while in the rest of Latin America it ranges between 10 and 20%.
Myth 2: Older adults are at higher risk of IBS
True: This is not true. While most illnesses and infections are more likely in older adults, IBS is different. As experts explain, it can occur at any age, although it often begins in adolescence or early adulthood. It is also up to two times more common in women than in men.
Myth 3: IBS is nothing to worry about, as it does not affect quality of life
Truth: IBS is usually a common, debilitating, chronic disorder of gut-brain interaction. For this reason, it is very likely to significantly affect the quality of life of patients, to the point that, if left untreated, it may make it impossible to perform daily tasks or activities, such as working, traveling or attending social events.
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Myth 4: IBS can cause cancer
Truth: This is a widespread myth, but not true. According to the researchers, there is no scientific evidence to show that IBS is capable of causing permanent damage to the intestines or serious diseases, such as cancer.
Myth 5: IBS is caused only by bacterial infections
Truth: Although in recent years the number of number of investigations on IBS, its cause or causes are still not entirely clear. In some cases it can occur after a bacterial intestinal infection (for example, by Campylobacter jejuni) or by parasites (yardiasis), this is called post-infectious IBS.
However, there are also other types of triggers, such as stress at an early age, changes in the intestinal microbiota, alterations in the nervous system digestive, or muscular contractions in the intestine.
Myth 6: IBS can be cured
Truth: Currently, there is no cure for IBS, however, there are many options to alleviate its symptoms. For example, your doctor may recommend the use of certain medications, such as anticholinergics (dicyclomine, propantheline, belladonna, and hyoscyamine), loperamide, alosetron (Lotronex), eluxadoline (Viberzi), lubiprostone (amitiza), bisacodil, rifaximin, or linaclotide (Linzess ), among others.
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It is also advised to make changes in lifestyle, including more fiber and probiotics in the diet, while reducing or avoiding foods or drinks that stimulate the intestines, such as caffeine, soft drinks, tea or alcohol. It is also good to work on controlling stress levels.
Myth 7: Exercising helps relieve symptoms of YES
Truth: Exercise is another activity that is recommended as part of a lifestyle of healthy living, to relieve the symptoms of IBS. However, they are not all the same, since some, such as competitive or high intensity, can have a negative impact and worsen IBS symptoms, since they increase muscle impact or raise stress levels.
Experts recommend aerobic exercise (also known as “cardio”) such as walking, jogging, bicycling, or swimming. These are a type of activity that is characterized by its low intensity developed for long periods of time.
Myth 8: There is a diet to combat IBS
Truth: Although there is often talk of “the diet to combat IBS” or similar references, specialists assure that there is no specific type of diet against this condition, since IBS differs from one person to another. However, certain eating habits can help: eat slowly, in small portions and chew correctly.
Myth 9: IBS symptoms can be reduced through natural treatments
Truth: Certain natural remedies, such as peppermint or cardamom oil, have shown promise in relieving symptoms of IBS and gastric ulcers. However, research on these and other natural options is limited, so they may not be universally helpful.
Until there is meaningful scientific evidence from human trials, people interested in use herbal therapies and supplements should be very careful.
Do not abandon or modify your medications or treatments, talk to your doctor first about the potential effects of alternative or complementary therapies.
Sources consulted: Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database, US National Library of Medicine, Mayo Clinic , National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institute of Complementary and Alternative Medicine.