irritable bowel syndrome (ibs) is a digestive disorder that affects 18 per cent of canadians. despite being so common, ibs is generally poorly understood and notoriously difficult to treat. “canada has one of the highest rates of ibs in the world, yet most people don’t have adequate relief or support,” said raman kapoor, a registered dietitian with 25 years of experience in the field.
ibs is characterized by recurring digestive symptoms, like abdominal pain, bloating and cramping. individuals who have frequent, loose bowel movements are said to have ibs-d (diarrhea-predominant), whereas those who don’t pass stools regularly are categorized as having ibs-c (constipation-predominant). there are mixed forms of ibs too for those who experience both symptoms.
since each patient experiences different symptoms, there is no “one size fits all” when it comes to ibs — one of the many challenges it presents. “people are often given very generic advice, like ‘learn to cope with your stress,’ or ‘just cut out dairy and gluten,’ or ‘find out what your triggers are and stop eating them,’” shares kapoor. a huge problem with this is that one’s diet and lifestyle can easily become incredibly restrictive, without any real solutions being provided.
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one of the reasons for this unnecessary restriction is that there’s a general lack of understanding of what causes ibs, making identifying effective treatment next to impossible. “a lack of knowledge on both the part of the provider and the patient leads to increased frustration of not really knowing how to deal with ibs symptoms,” said kapoor. and it’s no wonder people with ibs are feeling confused and helpless when the science behind it is so complex.
the truth is, ibs is a multifactorial condition, meaning it’s influenced by a wide range of different factors, from stress and mood to diet and activity levels. according to kapoor, this is what often causes the oversimplified advice that people with ibs tend to receive when seeking professional help for the condition. though well-intended, these misconceptions only serve to increase the challenges faced by individuals with ibs and underscore the need for more comprehensive and personalized treatment approaches.
to help bridge the gap between cause and effect, kapoor spends a lot of time explaining the gut-brain axis to her patients with ibs. “it’s a disconnect between the gut and the brain,” she said. “in someone with ibs, the signals that help to control gut health and bowel movements are disrupted.” the main signal that runs from the gut to the brain, and vice versa, is sent via the vagus nerve. “the vagus nerve connects the gut and brain so that they can communicate,” explains kapoor.
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one of the factors that can negatively impact the gut and brain’s ability to communicate effectively is the composition of the gut microbiome. “the gut-brain axis is very closely linked to the gut microbiome, which is a collection of microorganisms living in our gut,” said kapoor.
while humans have other microbiomes too, such as in the mouth, on the skin, and in the vagina, the gut is by far the largest one in humans, with trillions of microorganisms present. the mix of bacteria, fungi, viruses and other microbes in the gut is developed shortly after birth and is shaped by diet, medications and environmental factors.
with such a vast reach, it should come as no surprise that the gut microbiome plays a crucial role in various bodily functions, including digestion. “the gut microbiome affects every stage of our lives,” said kapoor. “it helps train our immune system, stabilize our mood, manage stress, and digest our food.” when something disrupts the balance in the gut microbiome, it can lead to signs and symptoms of ibs.
at the first sign of suspected ibs, one must first have a thorough medical check-up to rule out anything more serious. then, if a patient’s symptoms remain, it’s time to seek additional support. “it is not normal to experience pain, discomfort, bloating, and gas after eating,” said kapoor. “always seek a medical opinion, especially if it’s limiting your ability to be active or carry out your usual daily activities.”
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unfortunately, it’s not uncommon for individuals suffering from ibs to socially isolate themselves because they’re afraid they’ll be caught off guard with an urgent need to go, and they’re worried about embarrassment at work or events. this can easily give rise to mental health challenges, further increasing the need for effective medical intervention and support.
fortunately, bioaro inc.’s biogut clinic offers gut microbiome analysis with the aim of helping patients understand the connection between their ibs symptoms and the microbes in their lower gastrointestinal tract. by characterizing the composition of a patient’s gut microbiome, a team of health professionals, including gastroenterologists and dieticians, can suggest tailored dietary modifications which may help alleviate symptoms.
kapoor is the founder of the biogut clinic, which offers a 90-day treatment program for ibs. the program is unique in that it’s fully customizable with a patient-centred approach. it begins and ends with gut microbiome testing, and participants are provided with regular touch points with a variety of health professionals.
“i like to describe it as a comprehensive, 90-day journey that takes a multidisciplinary, integrated approach to address gut-related health issues,” said kapoor. the program incorporates various aspects of health, including multiple analyses of the gut microbiome, taking into account lifestyle, medications, exercise, nutrition, and mental health. “each person’s gut microbiome is like a unique fingerprint,” explains kapoor. “we use the gut microbiome, and other precision medicine, to help customize the program to each individual.”
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due to its complex and multi-factorial nature, ongoing support and education for ibs is critical for finding relief. if you or someone you know is suffering from ibs symptoms and looking for effective, holistic ways to manage the condition, visit www.biogutclinic.com to learn more about how biogut clinic can help.