
Magnesium For IBS: In-depth Doctor’s Review.
Magnesium may be beneficial for IBS, especially laxatives containing magnesium for IBS with constipation. But magnesium may worsen certain IBS subtypes. %
✅ Evidence-Based.
By Dr. Farahat.
Welcome to the most unpredictable, irrational disease on planet Earth; Irritable bowel syndrome. IBS is probably the most confusing disease.
This is because we cannot expect a definite pattern of symptoms. Also, sometimes we cannot define the cause of an IBS flare-up.
The most common causes of An IBS flare-up are:
Today I will share all the possible causes of an IBS flare-up as a doctor and an IBS sufferer.
FODMAPs are a type of fiber that is proven to trigger your IBS. They are highly fermentable inside your colon, causing IBS flare-ups. Identifying and eliminating these FODMAPs is the best food strategy to prevent IBS flare-ups (ref).
The complete list of high FODMAP fruits:
Download our FREE guide here for a complete list of low and high FODMAP foods.
Download our FREE guide here for a complete list of low and high FODMAP foods.
Download our FREE guide here for a complete list of low and high FODMAP foods.
A survey of 300 patients with IBS found that 40% of the patients with IBS attributed their IBs flare-ups to consuming fatty foods.
So, the consumption of high-fat foods can trigger your IBS symptoms. Examples of High-fat foods to avoid:
Caffeine and caffeinated drinks are known as triggers for IBS pain and diarrhea. Avoid too much caffeine in your foods and drinks.
Eating too much food can trigger your IBS symptoms by:
So, It is important to avoid binge eating or large meals. It is time to change your food behavior and live a healthy life.
Your colon has numerous nerve plexuses forming the “second brain.”
From my career as a gastroenterologist, I found that the Digestive system is the most affected by mental health issues and stress.
Many functional gut diseases (not only IBS) are related to anxiety, stress, and psychological dysfunction. For example, GERD, Functional dyspepsia, Functional nausea and vomiting, and Eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa.
This study found that anxiety is far more common among IBS patients than the general population (44% vs 8%).
Every time you are subjected to a stressful event or anxiety attack, your IBS may flare up; some examples of IBS triggers:
Please read our complete guide about IBS and anxiety.
People with IBS may have much lower thresholds for pain (ref). Any physical stressor or painful condition can trigger a new IBS flare-up.
Common examples:
A bad night’s sleep may result in a bad IBS day. Also, It is interesting to know that many people with IBS suffer from some form of sleep disturbance (ref).
So, try to obtain the optimum number of sleep hours (typically 7-8). You must change your sleeping behavior if you sleep less than 7 hours per night.
Also, irregular or random sleeping times due to work or travel may trigger your IBS flare-up.
IBS flare-ups can be confused with actual gastroenteritis (especially IBS-diarrhea attacks).
Some Gut infections may resemble or trigger an IBS flare-up, such as:
Sings it is a gut bug and not an IBS-flare up may include:
And for sure, stomach bugs can add to your IBS and worsen your IBS flare-up (ref).
One of the strongest theories of IBS is the disturbance of your Gut Microbiota. Gut Microbiota is beneficial micro-organisms (mainly bacteria and fungi).
They live inside your gut and help to regulate digestion, absorption, intestinal motility, and immunity.
Disturbance in the intestinal microbiome ( as post-infectious IBS or post antibiotics may result in IBS.
Also, Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) may contribute to IBS. This is especially prevalent with IBS-Diarrhea and IBS bloating.
We use some gut antibiotics to control IBS-Diarrhea attacks which may be caused by SIBO (ref).
Check your list of medications; many of them can cause a new IBS flare-up by a variety of mechanisms:
A rule of thumb is to check all the active and inactive ingredients of any medication you use. And review the list of drugs with your gastroenterologist.
Females are way more affected by IBS than males. This study estimates that females are affected by IBS up to 2.5 to 3 times more than males. And the number one cause of this may be your “female sex hormones.”
Any recent disturbance in your female hormones can act as a trigger for new IBS flare-ups.
That is why many IBS flare-ups in females occur during or before menstruation.
Also, some females may experience a change in IBS Flare-ups during pregnancy.
Please read our Detailed article about IBS and Pregnancy.
The exact mechanism of how female sex hormones is unclear. And the emotional alternations caused by female hormones may play a role in IBS flare-ups.
Magnesium may be beneficial for IBS, especially laxatives containing magnesium for IBS with constipation. But magnesium may worsen certain IBS subtypes. %
Pregnancy can aggravate IBS symptoms. Also, pregnancy and IBS can affect each other. The optimal IBS relief tips for IBS-C & IBS-D and safe IBS medications are discussed here.
The anxiety and your IBS are closely related. Psychological stress is one of the most important mechanisms that may be causing your IBS.
Metamucil (psyllium Husk) is one of the best options for IBS patients. It acts as a soluble fiber laxative that may improve your IBS. Know the dose, side effects, and how to take Metamucil for IBS.
Sugar and IBS are closely related. Some Sugars are proven to Trigger IBS. While Others can be tolerated. Learn how to deal with sugar while you Have IBS.
IBS pain relief is challenging for many IBS patients. this is an indepth guide about IBS pain relief strategies that I found most useful.