A Modern-Day Chronic Problem: Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
Sometimes, abdominal discomfort and pain occur without any clear cause. For many modern people living under stress and irregular routines, this is a common experience. Even without any noticeable disease in the colon, when bowel function does not work smoothly, daily life can be burdened with diarrhea, constipation, and abdominal pain. The discomfort is beyond imagination.
Although irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is not a disease that directly threatens life, it affects almost every part of daily living and significantly lowers quality of life.
So, what causes it, and are there ways to prevent it?
Why Does Irritable Bowel Syndrome Occur?
IBS is a functional bowel disorder where there are no structural problems in the colon, yet chronic abdominal pain, discomfort, and bowel habit disturbances appear due to overly sensitive contraction and relaxation of the colon muscles.
The exact cause has not been fully identified, but in most cases, it is believed that chronic fatigue, excessive stress, and heavy workloads build up and eventually manifest as physical symptoms.
Other possible causes include changes in gut microbiota, genetic predisposition, and immune system irregularities.
The Main Symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Symptoms vary from person to person, but the most common are gastrointestinal problems such as bowel habit changes, abdominal pain, bloating, and mucus in the stool. In fact, about 28% of patients visiting hospitals with digestive complaints are diagnosed with IBS.
Other symptoms may also appear, including headaches, irregular menstruation, urinary difficulties, heart palpitations, anxiety, restlessness, and even depression. These symptoms may interfere with daily life, but the condition itself is usually not dangerous.
The good news is that symptoms can often improve with proper diet, stress management, and regular exercise.
However, if abdominal pain persists despite lifestyle adjustments, or if you notice blood in the stool, sudden weight loss, or major changes in bowel habits, it may be a sign of another underlying condition. In such cases, consulting a medical specialist is strongly recommended.
Lifestyle Habits That Help Improve Symptoms
Since excessive stress and psychological anxiety are major factors that worsen IBS, managing stress is essential. Adjusting daily patterns to reduce stress triggers—or finding your own ways to relieve stress if change is not possible—can be very helpful.
Exercise is particularly effective, as it not only reduces stress but also improves bowel movement. Rather than starting with heavy workouts, it is better to maintain a consistent routine with light activities such as jogging or walking every day.
Keeping regular mealtimes and avoiding foods that irritate the colon are also important. Foods that ferment easily in the gut, such as oligosaccharides, disaccharides, and monosaccharides, can cause diarrhea or bloating. Overeating, binge drinking, and smoking should be avoided.
On the other hand, foods that may help ease IBS symptoms include fresh vegetables, fruits, and legumes.
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