Irritable Bowel Syndrome and Food Intolerance
Affecting mostly women, Irritable Bowel Syndrome is an intestinal disorder that causes abdominal pain, indigestion, gas, and constipation.
Some sufferers can control their symptoms by managing their diet, lifestyle and stress levels. Seek medical advice or visit your GP to rule out any other possible underlying conditions.
Common Causes of Irritable Bowel Syndrome
While Irritable Bowel Syndrome is a condition with no known specific cause, the IBS Network has identified common risk factors that include:
- An attack of Gastroenteritis
- A traumatic or upsetting event
- Courses of antibiotics
- Diet
- Stress or lifestyle change
Symptoms Include:
- Bloating
- Constipation
- Difficulty defecating
- Abdominal cramps
- Diarrhea
- Muscle pains
- Indigestion
Irritable Bowel Syndrome and Food Intolerance
Most IBS sufferers will not have a definitive food allergy, but will be abnormally sensitive to certain foods. Again from the IBS Network, “people with IBS usually find that eating can trigger their symptoms, but it’s often difficult to identify what component, if any, of the meal may be responsible.”
Additionally, food intolerances and other digestive issues can lead to an increased volume of gas which can then exacerbate negative symptoms.
How a Food Intolerance Test Can Help
Eliminating and replacing problem foods from your diet may help fight against Irritable Bowel Syndrome or reduce symptoms. The quickest way to identify your food intolerances is by taking a blood test that measures IgG antibody levels against a variety of different food proteins.
This kind of testing helps to quickly identify which foods are responding negatively with your system and can be much more efficient than food journaling or guess-and-check diets.
All that’s left to do after you get your results is to eliminate the foods you’re intolerant to. That’s it. No follow ups. No exercise regiments. Zero hassles.
