{"id":59086,"date":"2016-06-23T16:44:58","date_gmt":"2016-06-23T14:44:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.darmklachten.nl\/conditions\/irritable-bowel-syndrome\/"},"modified":"2026-09-28T22:07:26","modified_gmt":"2026-09-28T20:07:26","slug":"irritable-bowel-syndrome","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.darmklachten.nl\/en\/conditions\/irritable-bowel-syndrome\/","title":{"rendered":"Irritable Bowel Syndrome"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"wpb-content-wrapper\" id=\"wpb-content-root\">[vc_row el_id=&#8221;pds&#8221;][vc_column][vc_column_text]\n<h2>Irritable bowel syndrome<\/h2>\n<p>Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a condition that presents with intestinal cramps, abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhoea or, conversely, constipation, while no underlying cause has been found. However, people are often diagnosed as IBS patients before all other possible causes have been investigated and ruled out. Around 1 in 4 people experience intestinal problems, but for most people it is possible to identify the cause of the symptoms through thorough investigation.<\/p>\n<p>When intestinal symptoms persist for more than three months and no underlying cause is found, this is referred to as IBS. That does not mean that no abnormalities can be found in the intestines at all. Research has shown that people diagnosed with IBS often have different gut flora or mild inflammation of the intestinal wall. Partly for these reasons, the IBS test includes a large number of different analyses.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row el_class=&#8221;bullet_blue&#8221;][vc_column][vc_column_text]\n<h2>Symptoms<\/h2>\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=&#8221;2\/3&#8243;][vc_column_text]The diagnosis of IBS is made on the basis of the symptoms experienced by the patient. The criteria for IBS are set out in the Rome III criteria. The Rome III criteria are:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>The symptoms have been present for at least 3 months.<\/li>\n<li>IBS has two forms: it can be characterised by constipation or by diarrhoea:\n<ul>\n<li>The diarrhoea form of IBS means having stools more than 3 times a day.<\/li>\n<li>The constipation form of IBS means having stools fewer than 3 times a week.<\/li>\n<li>In some people, the symptoms alternate between the two forms of IBS. This is called a mixed pattern.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>Abdominal pain<\/li>\n<li>Cramping pain that decreases after a bowel movement<\/li>\n<li>Flatulence<\/li>\n<li>Bloated abdomen<\/li>\n<li>False urge to defecate<\/li>\n<li>Mucus in the stool<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Sometimes there are more serious symptoms of IBS; these symptoms are referred to as warning signs:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Blood loss<\/li>\n<li>Fever<\/li>\n<li>Weight loss<\/li>\n<li>Severe pain (including at night)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=&#8221;1\/3&#8243;][vc_column_text]<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.darmklachten.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/PDS-in-content-e1485873599466.jpg\" alt=\"PDS in content\" title=\"\">[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row el_id=&#8221;andere&#8221;][vc_column][vc_column_text]\n<h3>Causes of IBS symptoms<\/h3>\n<p>A diagnosis of IBS can only be made with certainty when all other possible causes have been ruled out. It is therefore useful to test as broadly as possible to determine whether another cause is responsible for the IBS symptoms. Common causes of intestinal symptoms and mushy stools include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Infection with a single-celled intestinal parasite (35 to 45% of cases).<\/li>\n<li>More than 18% of people with IBS symptoms show an overgrowth of Candida.<\/li>\n<li>Intestinal inflammation: in around 12% of cases, people with IBS symptoms have elevated calprotectin levels.<\/li>\n<li>In 7% of cases, people with IBS symptoms have low pancreatic elastase levels. These low levels are associated with a lack of pancreatic enzymes.<\/li>\n<li>Abnormal gut flora and an overgrowth of yeasts can cause IBS symptoms.<\/li>\n<li>There may be a chronic bile disorder.<\/li>\n<li>People who are overweight or have diabetes more often experience bloating, abdominal pain and diarrhoea. In these cases there is more gas formation in the intestines and slower bowel movements. This is caused by abnormal gut flora and an increase in yeasts in the intestines.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]\n<h2>Constipation<\/h2>\n<p>Constipation, bloating, flatulence and cramps are part of the typical pattern of IBS symptoms. In the Netherlands, around 2 million people suffer from constipation. They have bowel movements only once to a few times a week.<\/p>\n<p>The Dutch College of General Practitioners cannot provide clear figures and writes: \u2018Approximately 10 to 30% of the population experiences constipation at some point, with women affected twice as often as men\u2019. In Sweden, constipation occurs in 13% of the population; in the United States this is between 12 and 19%.<br \/>\nTo relieve the symptoms, it is necessary to identify their cause. If there is no underlying disease, the diagnosis IBS with constipation is made. Of all patients with IBS symptoms, 25% suffer from constipation and 45% of people with IBS symptoms have constipation alternating with loose stools.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]\n<h2>Overweight, diabetes and gas formation<\/h2>\n<p>There is a difference between experiencing a bloated feeling and an actual increase in the volume of intestinal contents. Gas formation in the intestines creates a sensation that the volume of the intestines has increased. The bacterium Methanobrevibacter produces methane gas. Methane gas causes food to be digested more slowly.<\/p>\n<p>Gas in the intestines can cause flatulence. People who are overweight have 4 times as much methane gas in their intestines as people who are not overweight. Constipation is one of the intestinal symptoms that commonly occurs in people with diabetes. Emptying of the bowel takes 2 times as long in people with diabetes. Neurological disorders of the intestine can also play a role.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]\n<h3>Medication use<\/h3>\n<p>Constipation or, conversely, diarrhoea can be a side effect of a course of antibiotics or of medicines used after acute intestinal inflammation. Acid-suppressing medication and heart medication can cause diarrhoea.<br \/>\nMedicines that can cause constipation include codeine, which is sometimes found in cough syrup, morphine or antidepressants. Some anti-inflammatory drugs, blood-pressure-lowering medicines, antihistamines and iron preparations also slow down the bowel. If laxatives are used for a long time, they can irritate the intestinal wall. This can ultimately result in slower bowel movements. There are other causes of intestinal symptoms, including:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>An overactive or underactive thyroid gland.<\/li>\n<li>Side effects of medicines.<\/li>\n<li>Colon cancer.<\/li>\n<li>Pelvic floor disorders.<\/li>\n<li>With spinal damage, 30 to 60% of patients suffer from constipation.<\/li>\n<li>11 to 38% of pregnant women suffer from constipation.<\/li>\n<li>Constipation can develop when stool is held back for too long, for example because of one&#8217;s occupation (driver, teacher), fissures in the intestine, or haemorrhoids.<\/li>\n<li>Poor digestion of food.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column el_id=&#8221;testen-prikkelbare-darm-syndroom&#8221;][vc_column_text el_class=&#8221;blauwkop&#8221;]\n<h2>We recommend the following tests:<\/h2>\n[\/vc_column_text]<div class=\"woocommerce columns-3 \">\n\t<ul class=\"products wpex-row wpex-clr match-height-grid gap-15\">\n\n<li class=\"entry has-media col wpex-woo-entry span_1_of_3 span_1_of_2_tl span_1_of_2_tp span_1_of_1_pl span_1_of_1_pp product type-product post-59473 status-publish first instock product_cat-all-tests product_cat-test-kits has-post-thumbnail featured purchasable product-type-variable\">\n\t<div class=\"product-inner wpex-clr\"><div class=\"wpex-loop-product-images\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.darmklachten.nl\/en\/testen\/chronic-gastrointestinal-complaints-ibs-package\/\" class=\"woocommerce-LoopProduct-link woocommerce-loop-product__link\">\n\t<img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"woo-entry-image-main wp-post-image\" alt=\"Chronic Gastrointestinal Complaints (IBS) Package\" src=\"https:\/\/www.darmklachten.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/PDS-uitgelicht.jpg\" width=\"1184\" height=\"1184\" title=\"\">\n<\/a><\/div><div class=\"product-details match-height-content\"><p class=\"woocommerce-loop-product__title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.darmklachten.nl\/en\/testen\/chronic-gastrointestinal-complaints-ibs-package\/\">Chronic gastrointestinal complaints (IBS) package<\/a><\/p>\n\t<span class=\"price\"><span class=\"woocommerce-Price-amount amount\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><bdi><span class=\"woocommerce-Price-currencySymbol\" translate=\"no\" dir=\"auto\">&euro;<\/span>&nbsp;350,00<\/bdi><\/span> <span aria-hidden=\"true\">&ndash;<\/span> <span class=\"woocommerce-Price-amount amount\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><bdi><span class=\"woocommerce-Price-currencySymbol\" translate=\"no\" dir=\"auto\">&euro;<\/span>&nbsp;475,00<\/bdi><\/span><span class=\"screen-reader-text\">Price range: &euro;&nbsp;350,00 through &euro;&nbsp;475,00<\/span><\/span>\n<a rel=\"nofollow\" href=\"https:\/\/www.darmklachten.nl\/en\/testen\/chronic-gastrointestinal-complaints-ibs-package\/\" class=\"meer-informatie\">meer informatie<\/a><\/div><a href=\"https:\/\/www.darmklachten.nl\/en\/testen\/chronic-gastrointestinal-complaints-ibs-package\/\" data-quantity=\"1\" class=\"button product_type_variable add_to_cart_button\" data-product_id=\"59473\" data-product_sku=\"\" aria-label=\"Select options for &ldquo;Chronic gastrointestinal complaints (IBS) package&rdquo;\" rel=\"\">+<\/a><span class=\"gtm4wp_productdata\" style=\"display:none; visibility:hidden;\" data-gtm4wp_product_data=\"{&quot;internal_id&quot;:59473,&quot;item_id&quot;:59473,&quot;item_name&quot;:&quot;Chronic gastrointestinal complaints (IBS) package&quot;,&quot;sku&quot;:59473,&quot;price&quot;:350,&quot;stocklevel&quot;:null,&quot;stockstatus&quot;:&quot;instock&quot;,&quot;google_business_vertical&quot;:&quot;retail&quot;,&quot;item_category&quot;:&quot;Test Kits&quot;,&quot;id&quot;:59473,&quot;productlink&quot;:&quot;https:\\\/\\\/www.darmklachten.nl\\\/en\\\/testen\\\/chronic-gastrointestinal-complaints-ibs-package\\\/&quot;,&quot;item_list_name&quot;:&quot;General Product List&quot;,&quot;index&quot;:1,&quot;product_type&quot;:&quot;variable&quot;,&quot;item_brand&quot;:&quot;&quot;}\"><\/span><\/div><\/li>\n<li class=\"entry has-media col wpex-woo-entry span_1_of_3 span_1_of_2_tl span_1_of_2_tp span_1_of_1_pl span_1_of_1_pp product type-product post-59519 status-publish instock product_cat-all-tests product_cat-intestinal-flora product_cat-test-kits has-post-thumbnail sale taxable shipping-taxable purchasable product-type-simple\">\n\t<div class=\"product-inner wpex-clr\">\n\t<span class=\"onsale\">Sale<\/span>\n\t<div class=\"wpex-loop-product-images\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.darmklachten.nl\/en\/testen\/gut-flora-package\/\" class=\"woocommerce-LoopProduct-link woocommerce-loop-product__link\">\n\t<div class=\"woo-entry-image-swap wpex-clr\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"woo-entry-image-main wp-post-image\" alt=\"Gut Flora Package\" src=\"https:\/\/www.darmklachten.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/DARMFLORA-ONDERZOEK.jpg\" width=\"1080\" height=\"1080\" title=\"\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"woo-entry-image-secondary\" src=\"https:\/\/www.darmklachten.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/zonuline-collage.jpg\" alt=\"Zonulin Collage\" width=\"1200\" height=\"1200\" title=\"\"><\/div>\n\n<\/a><\/div><div class=\"product-details match-height-content\"><p class=\"woocommerce-loop-product__title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.darmklachten.nl\/en\/testen\/gut-flora-package\/\">Gut flora package<\/a><\/p>\n\t<span class=\"price\"><del aria-hidden=\"true\"><span class=\"woocommerce-Price-amount amount\"><bdi><span class=\"woocommerce-Price-currencySymbol\" translate=\"no\" dir=\"auto\">&euro;<\/span>&nbsp;203,00<\/bdi><\/span><\/del> <span class=\"screen-reader-text\">Original price was: &euro;&nbsp;203,00.<\/span><ins aria-hidden=\"true\"><span class=\"woocommerce-Price-amount amount\"><bdi><span class=\"woocommerce-Price-currencySymbol\" translate=\"no\" dir=\"auto\">&euro;<\/span>&nbsp;127,00<\/bdi><\/span><\/ins><span class=\"screen-reader-text\">Current price is: &euro;&nbsp;127,00.<\/span><\/span>\n<a rel=\"nofollow\" href=\"https:\/\/www.darmklachten.nl\/en\/testen\/gut-flora-package\/\" class=\"meer-informatie\">meer informatie<\/a><\/div><a href=\"\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/59086?add-to-cart=59519\" data-quantity=\"1\" class=\"button product_type_simple add_to_cart_button ajax_add_to_cart\" data-product_id=\"59519\" data-product_sku=\"\" aria-label=\"Add to cart: &ldquo;Gut flora package&rdquo;\" rel=\"nofollow\" data-success_message=\"&ldquo;Gut flora package&rdquo; has been added to your cart\">+<\/a><span class=\"gtm4wp_productdata\" style=\"display:none; visibility:hidden;\" data-gtm4wp_product_data=\"{&quot;internal_id&quot;:59519,&quot;item_id&quot;:59519,&quot;item_name&quot;:&quot;Gut flora package&quot;,&quot;sku&quot;:59519,&quot;price&quot;:127,&quot;stocklevel&quot;:null,&quot;stockstatus&quot;:&quot;instock&quot;,&quot;google_business_vertical&quot;:&quot;retail&quot;,&quot;item_category&quot;:&quot;Test Kits&quot;,&quot;id&quot;:59519,&quot;productlink&quot;:&quot;https:\\\/\\\/www.darmklachten.nl\\\/en\\\/testen\\\/gut-flora-package\\\/&quot;,&quot;item_list_name&quot;:&quot;General Product List&quot;,&quot;index&quot;:2,&quot;product_type&quot;:&quot;simple&quot;,&quot;item_brand&quot;:&quot;&quot;}\"><\/span><\/div><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>[\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_btn title=&#8221;View all related test modules&#8221; style=&#8221;custom&#8221; custom_background=&#8221;#6dc199&#8243; custom_text=&#8221;#ffffff&#8221; shape=&#8221;round&#8221; align=&#8221;center&#8221; i_icon_fontawesome=&#8221;fas fa-cart-plus&#8221; add_icon=&#8221;true&#8221; link=&#8221;url:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.darmklachten.nl%2Fen%2Faandoening%2Firritable-bowel-syndrome-spastic-colon%2F|&#8221; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1701876020549{margin-top: 32px !important;margin-bottom: 0px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;}&#8221;][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]\n<h2>Available tests<\/h2>\n<p>See IBS test. Diarrhoea, possibly alternating with constipation, can be caused by:[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]\n<h3>1: Parasites and bacteria<\/h3>\n<p>People with IBS symptoms are infected with the parasite Dientamoeba fragilis in 33% of cases, although they are even more often infected with the parasite Blastocystis hominis. People with upper abdominal and stomach complaints are infected with the bacterium Helicobacter pylori in 10% of cases.<br \/>\nDientamoeba fragilis is a single-celled parasite that infects the large intestine and causes symptoms similar to the symptom pattern of people with IBS. Adults and children with chronic diarrhoea or abdominal pain should be tested for parasites. This means that all people with IBS symptoms are eligible for testing to determine whether there is an infection with a parasite.<\/p>\n<p>Blastocystis hominis is found in the large intestine of more than 4 million people in the Netherlands. Research by the Dutch National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, RIVM, shows that 40% of people in the Netherlands between the ages of 15 and 50 carry the parasite. Researcher Yakoob studied a group of patients with symptoms corresponding to the Rome III criteria who had been diagnosed with IBS. Blastocystis hominis was present in 73% of patients with IBS symptoms (and diarrhoea) and in 27% of people without IBS symptoms. The author states that the symptoms are partly caused by Blastocystis hominis.[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]\n<h2>2: Intestinal inflammation<\/h2>\n<p>Extensive laboratory testing of stool can provide considerable insight into the causes of chronic intestinal symptoms. The most common causes of IBS symptoms are microscopic organisms that cannot be seen with the naked eye. An internal examination of the large intestine (colonoscopy) therefore usually cannot identify the cause of IBS symptoms. A colonoscopy is not suitable for detecting intestinal parasites, overgrowth of harmful bacteria, fungi and yeasts. It is therefore recommended to test the stool for inflammatory markers before a colonoscopy. If you think you may be dealing with a serious disease, the following tests are very useful for determining whether the intestine is inflamed:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Occult blood test<\/li>\n<li>Calprotectin<\/li>\n<li>Beta-defensin<\/li>\n<li>Immunoglobulin A<\/li>\n<li>Lactoferrin<\/li>\n<li>Tissue transglutaminase.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text el_id=&#8221;darmflora&#8221;]\n<h3>3: Testing the gut flora and digestive markers<\/h3>\n<p>Abnormalities of the gut flora and digestive problems can also cause IBS-like intestinal symptoms. To determine whether intestinal symptoms are caused by a problem with the gut flora or digestion, the following tests can be used:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>A gut flora test in combination with Immunoglobulin A and a culture for yeasts such as Candida albicans.<\/li>\n<li>A lack of stomach acid and excessive use of acid-suppressing medication can cause digestive problems. Stool testing of digestive markers can show whether a lack of stomach acid is indeed causing the problems.<\/li>\n<li>When the bile and pancreas do not function properly, intestinal symptoms develop and the stool has a high fat content. Tests for bile acids and pancreatic elastase can provide insight into this.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]\n<h2>4: Colonoscopy<\/h2>\n<p>Guidelines for general practitioners distinguish between serious intestinal symptoms and other intestinal symptoms. A colonoscopy can detect bowel cancer, intestinal polyps, Crohn&#8217;s disease and ulcerative colitis. For people with symptoms attributed to IBS:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Internal examination will reveal an abnormality in only a small percentage of people with chronic intestinal symptoms. Serious intestinal diseases include ulcerative colitis and Crohn&#8217;s disease. These diseases occur in only 2 out of 1,000 people. Colon cancer occurs in 1 out of 1,500 people. The chance that a patient with chronic intestinal symptoms has intestinal inflammation such as ulcerative colitis or bowel cancer is therefore very small.<\/li>\n<li>It is difficult to demonstrate a gluten allergy by means of an internal examination of the large intestine. A gluten allergy is, after all, a disorder of the small intestine. Not only the final part of the intestine, but also the beginning of the intestine, via the stomach, must be examined. A large proportion of people with symptoms attributed to IBS are sensitive to gluten and feel better on a gluten-free diet.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]\n<h2>Risk factors for IBS<\/h2>\n<p>There are a number of general risk factors for symptoms attributed to IBS:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>People under 45 are more likely to experience IBS symptoms<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Women experience IBS more often than men<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>It can run in families<\/li>\n<li>Stress or psychological problems<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>If no direct cause for IBS can be found, the cause is usually sought in:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Abnormal gut flora<\/li>\n<li>Gas formation<\/li>\n<li>Hard stools<\/li>\n<li>An irritated nervous system<\/li>\n<li>Muscle tension<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Intestinal symptoms can also be caused by diet. This is often the case if someone is allergic or intolerant to certain substances. Intestinal symptoms can, for example, be caused by:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Gluten intolerance<\/li>\n<li>Food allergies<\/li>\n<li>Wheat allergy<\/li>\n<li>Starch intolerance<\/li>\n<li>Lactose intolerance<\/li>\n<li>Certain foods<\/li>\n<li>Overweight<\/li>\n<li>Fatigue<\/li>\n<li>Symptoms that develop after a course of antibiotics<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]\n<h2>Treatment of IBS<\/h2>\n<p>When a condition has been identified, a specific treatment is chosen. When no abnormalities are found, general practitioners and patients can choose from a number of options. Guidance and explanation are very important in such a process. The options are:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Medicines and supplements<\/li>\n<li>Antibiotics<\/li>\n<li>Diet<\/li>\n<li>Constipation and fibre supplements<\/li>\n<li>Peppermint oil<\/li>\n<li>Probiotics<\/li>\n<li>Relaxation<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]\n<h2>Medication<\/h2>\n<p>In some cases, medicines are considered. These may include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Anti-diarrhoeal medicines, loperamide (Imodium)<\/li>\n<li>Medicines for cramps, buspatal<\/li>\n<li>Antidepressants<\/li>\n<li>Amitrypiline, for daily pain<\/li>\n<li>Antibiotics that are not absorbed into the bloodstream<\/li>\n<li>Alosetron is designed to relax and slow down the large intestine. The drug is not approved for use by men and has serious side effects<\/li>\n<li>Therapy for constipation<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]\n<h2>Antibiotics: good for people with IBS symptoms or not?<\/h2>\n<p>One proposed therapy for IBS is a course of antibiotics. Many people with IBS have poor experiences with antibiotic use. Traditional broad-spectrum antibiotics (that is, antibiotics prescribed for all types of infections in children and adults) often result in mild to severe abdominal symptoms, even in people who do not have IBS symptoms.<br \/>\nHowever, certain studies indicate that an antibiotic could actually help with IBS. If an antibiotic works, it can be assumed that a bacterial infection was the cause of the IBS symptoms. This means that the actual diagnosis was not made and that, in fact, the person did not have IBS.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]\n<h2>The IBS diet, FODMAPs<\/h2>\n<p>The modern Western diet is increasingly focused on convenient, fast, ready-made factory meals. In addition, much food is genetically modified, contains colourings, too much starch and harmful fats. This food can cause symptoms, including carbohydrate intolerance, bile and pancreatic problems, or excessive growth of yeasts such as Candida spp.<\/p>\n<p>With IBS, a diet without sugars and grains reduces intestinal symptoms and other symptoms of IBS. This diet is called the FODMAP diet. FODMAP is an abbreviation for fermentable oligo-, di- and monosaccharides and polyols. It appears that all sugars, the so-called FODMAPs, are not digested properly by people with IBS. In fact, you should avoid all sugars, both short- and long-chain, and all starchy products.<\/p>\n<p>People with IBS symptoms are prescribed a diet without sugars, grains, legumes, onion, leek and milk sugar. In addition, they cannot eat sweet fruit or polyols such as sorbitol and sugar alcohols from sugar-free foods. What is left? Vegetables, fish, chicken, meat and healthy fats. In fact, it comes down to a slightly more restrictive version of the Paleo diet. This produces very good results. During the FODMAP diet, gluten is not eaten, but grains are. That is inconsistent because grains contain just as much, or even more, glucose than table sugar. It often turns out that people with IBS symptoms also tolerate grains poorly in their diet.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]\n<h2>Vegetables and the gut flora<\/h2>\n<p>The gut flora must be nourished, specifically with vegetables such as leafy vegetables, root vegetables, cabbages and fruiting vegetables. The actual food source of the gut flora is plant fibre. Vegetables are rich in plant fibre; this not only stimulates the growth of healthy intestinal bacteria, but also forms the basis of nutritious fatty acids produced by the bacteria. Fibre also provides the raw material for the mucus molecules that form the intestinal mucus layer and provide protection against harmful bacteria. Intestinal bacteria produce anti-inflammatory substances and vitamins.<br \/>\nThe genetic gut flora of humans has changed hardly at all over the past 100,000 years. The gut flora is still geared towards digesting the food from that time.<\/p>\n<p>Grains are not digested properly and do not provide nutrition for the gut flora; on the contrary, abnormal bowel patterns develop and bacteria that break down the mucus layer are stimulated.<br \/>\nOnly 5% of adults in the Netherlands eat 200 grams of vegetables per day, and almost none of the younger population eats the recommended 200 grams of vegetables. Without vegetables, nutritional deficiencies develop. Leafy greens contain folic acid, calcium, magnesium and chlorophyll, essential substances for the functioning of the body.<br \/>\nEating vegetables instead of grains prevents overweight and lowers cholesterol levels. Health begins with a diet focused on the gut flora, which amounts to following a primal diet such as the Paleo diet. The cookbook \u201cSuperfood Bread\u201d contains recipes that fit this dietary pattern. The bread is made from vegetables and supports the gut flora.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]\n<h2>Treatment of constipation<\/h2>\n<p>The standard advice for constipation is: drink more water and exercise more. In almost all cases, high-fibre foods or a fibre product are prescribed. In practice, this appears to be of no benefit. In recent years it has therefore been labelled a myth. The digestive process, from eating food to a bowel movement, normally takes 12 to 24 hours. It appears that intestinal transit is slowed in 30% of people with constipation, but in most cases constipation is caused because the rectum does not empty easily.<\/p>\n<p>Scientists indicate that fibre supplements are not a solution for constipation because the volume then increases too much: taking 16 grams of fibre increases stool weight by 80 to 100 grams per day. As with traffic congestion, the inflow must be reduced; a low fibre content and therefore a reduction in stool volume is beneficial. The moisture content of the stool remains the same regardless of the amount of fibre and water consumed. The fibre in vegetables does not increase in volume and is therefore suitable.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]\n<h2>Research into fibre<\/h2>\n<p>Is it not the case that publications attribute a beneficial effect to fibre use? Many people, including doctors, assume that fibre should be used for constipation. In 2004, Lesbros-Pantoflickova analysed 51 double-blind studies and showed that studies of low scientific quality reported a positive effect of fibre, while all good-quality studies indicated that fibre use had no effect on constipation.<\/p>\n<p>A Dutch study from 2004 by Bijkerk shows that whole grains have no effect on constipation. Rees showed that bran and whole-grain products cause increased gas formation, constipation and abdominal pain. Psyllium increases stool volume and pressure on the intestine, causing intestinal contractions to decrease.<\/p>\n<p>Sun-Kok Ho experimented in 2012 with a diet from which all fibre had been filtered out and observed a strong decrease in stool volume and an increase in bowel movement frequency. Bowel transit changed from an average of once every 3.7 days to once a day. Only medicines that relax the intestinal wall produce a positive result. Stimulation of certain nerves may also produce a positive result.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]\n<h2>Relaxation as a way to manage IBS symptoms<\/h2>\n<p>There are also other ways to address symptoms attributed to IBS. These options include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Relaxation<\/li>\n<li>Hypnotherapy<\/li>\n<li>Meditation<\/li>\n<li>Psychotherapy<\/li>\n<li>Stress reduction<\/li>\n<li>Acupuncture<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]\n<h2>Stress and intestinal symptoms<\/h2>\n<p>The intestine has a greater influence on the brain than the other way around. The gut flora plays a central role in the body. It is less likely that stress causes an irritated bowel than that an irritated bowel causes stress. When the intestinal environment is disrupted, this has a major effect on the rest of the body, the brain, the immune system and all mucous membranes.<\/p>\n<p>The tragic aspect is that not only does the intestine receive insufficient attention and nutrition is not central in medicine, but too little attention is also paid to the fact that the intestine and the bacteria present in it have a major influence on people&#8217;s physical and emotional functioning.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]\n<h2>Depression and constipation<\/h2>\n<p>With chronic intestinal disorders there is a change in the production of peptides, which can naturally lead to depression. However, the symptoms, depression and feeling of stress have a medical cause. Scientists have provided convincing evidence that the intestinal wall and healthy intestinal bacteria send signals to the brain via the vagus nerve.<\/p>\n<p>These signals influence human behaviour and emotions. Abnormal gut flora, chronic inflammation and the reaction of gluten in the intestine not only cause diarrhoea or constipation, but also reduced concentration, a feeling as if the head is filled with cotton wool, or depression. In addition, a range of symptoms such as headache, fatigue, muscle and joint pain, insomnia and palpitations may occur. These symptoms may partly be explained by the production of toxic by-products from harmful intestinal bacteria, which are not absorbed in the intestine.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]\n<h2>Psychotherapy for intestinal symptoms<\/h2>\n<p>Patients with persistent symptoms are often advised to undergo psychotherapy. This is also done before all possible physical causes have been ruled out. Many people are angry about the suggestion that their intestinal symptoms are psychological in nature. They do not feel understood; they strongly feel that the mental pressure and fogginess in their head come from the intestine and not the other way around. There is some truth in the \u201cpsychological story\u201d, but in a very different way from how most doctors interpret it.<\/p>\n<p>The intestine is also a centre of feeling. The intestine and intestinal bacteria produce hormones in the brain \u2013 neuropeptides \u2013 such as serotonin, which is associated with happiness. Almost all serotonin is produced in the intestine. Vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) affects the intestine, heart and gallbladder. VIP causes vasodilation and therefore also blushing; VIP is therefore a substance associated with shame and inhibition. Dopamine is formed in the intestine and plays a role in addictions.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]\n<h2>About darmklachten.nl<\/h2>\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_row_inner css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1617007411960{margin-top: 16px !important;}&#8221;][vc_column_inner width=&#8221;3\/4&#8243;][vc_column_text]Darmklachten.nl is an initiative of MGlab&amp;Advies, a laboratory specialising in stool testing. &#8230;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.darmklachten.nl\/en\/about-us\/\">read more<\/a>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=&#8221;1\/4&#8243;][vc_column_text]<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-46036 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.darmklachten.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/MGLAB-LOGO-TEKST-2022.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"637\" height=\"126\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.darmklachten.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/MGLAB-LOGO-TEKST-2022.jpg 637w, https:\/\/www.darmklachten.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/MGLAB-LOGO-TEKST-2022-300x59.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.darmklachten.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/MGLAB-LOGO-TEKST-2022-600x119.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 637px) 100vw, 637px\" \/>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][\/vc_column][\/vc_row]\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[vc_row el_id=&#8221;pds&#8221;][vc_column][vc_column_text] Irritable bowel syndrome Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a condition that presents with intestinal cramps, abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhoea or, conversely, constipation, while no underlying cause has been found. However, people are often diagnosed as IBS patients before&hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2429,"featured_media":0,"parent":57926,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-59086","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry","entry","no-media"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.darmklachten.nl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/59086","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.darmklachten.nl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.darmklachten.nl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.darmklachten.nl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2429"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.darmklachten.nl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=59086"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.darmklachten.nl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/59086\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":59091,"href":"https:\/\/www.darmklachten.nl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/59086\/revisions\/59091"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.darmklachten.nl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/57926"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.darmklachten.nl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=59086"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}