Will IBS Ever Go Away?
Will irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) ever just go away? The short answer is no, but also maybe...
IBS is very complex, which is described in more detail in this blog. The big drivers of IBS help us understand, with the current knowledge we have, the causes of IBS.
Before we get into those, it’s also important to note that IBS can sometimes be misdiagnosed, as conditions that can be treated and can go away, as well as those that will not go away but will also be treated in their own way. For this reason, there are people who can say that their IBS went away or was cured. This is why it’s tough to say that IBS will never go away, even though what we currently know about IBS is that it is chronic and won’t go away, when diagnosed properly.
Another complexity is that future research may reveal treatments for IBS that do make it go away. I’m speaking in this blog from what we currently know from the research, but I’m also aware that things can change as science continues to evolve.
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Gut brain miscommunication
We know that those with IBS have poor gut brain communication. This is why stress can be a big trigger for symptoms and can explain the link between the gut, mood, and conditions like anxiety and depression.
The good news is that we can improve this communication, even if we still don’t fully know why this is altered in IBS. There are many ways to improve this connection and treat IBS in this way, including gut-directed hypnotherapy and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for IBS. Mindfulness exercises and nervous system regulation may also play a role here.
Dysbiosis
Dysbiosis refers to an unideal makeup of microbes in the gut. This is a hallmark of IBS and is evolving as we continue to learn about the role of the microbiome in IBS and other digestive disorders or conditions.
We know we can improve this through a diet rich in diverse fiber sources, stress management, and overall support for the microbial community. In the future, there may be more clear treatments here and there may be what we could consider a cure here too. For now, we can call this a major form of symptom management and control.
Altered immune reactions
There are immune cells in the gut, and we are learning that some with IBS do experience altered immune reactions with those cells. This is most linked to post-infectious IBS piece, which includes the changes in the gut environment after experiencing a food borne illness or infection in the gut.
Altered immune reactions could also include mast cell activation issues. We still have more to learn and there could be more tailored treatments here. The biggest question is if some with IBS actually have an autoimmune condition. More science will come to better explain this.
Motility issues
Altered motility, or the movement of the gut, is also a highlight of IBS because diarrhea, constipation, or a mix of both are part of the IBS diagnostic criteria. For many, altered motility can be addressed and improved.
For diarrhea, this could include holistic strategies and diet interventions like the low FODMAP diet. This also includes identifying all contributing factors, like immune reactions, SIBO, dysbiosis, pancreatic function, and intestinal permeability. Typically it can be more complex to slow the gut down, but it’s definitely possible and there’s a lot of research around diarrhea predominant IBS.
For constipation, we can improve this with diet, movement, bowel retraining, toileting habits, routines, and stress management. We also may address causes, including those we see with diarrhea and others, like thyroid issues, pelvic floor dysfunction, and scar tissue or adhesion issues.
Here’s the bright side
IBS may be considered chronic right now but it can be fully managed. You can get to a place where you don't even meet the criteria for an IBS diagnosis anymore, because symptoms are improved.
Sometimes this means you have support in place that is helping you control symptoms, and sometimes this control happens simply with the habits and routines you build into your life. This will be unique to each person.
If you’re looking for guidance for your IBS so that you can find the plan that works best for you, our team may be able to help! Schedule a consult call here to see if it’s the right fit for you!
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