Skip to main content

Is malabsorption of nutrients a complication of IBS?


Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is not an immune disease such as colitis or even Crohn’s disease. Instead, IBS affects the large intestine which does not operate efficiently during the digestive process.  Food is passed through the stomach before moving to the small intestine, then through the large intestine or colon. A squeezing action aids food to proceed through the colon. However, with IBS, this squeezing motion may be either too fast or too slow.

 IBS does not lead to permanent disease, however, it can have symptoms that may be painful and uncomfortable. Some of the issues with IBS include constipation, abdominal pain and cramping, diarrhea, bloating, and flatulence. There is another effect of IBS; that of malabsorption of nutrients. This can, however, be lessened if the sufferer follows a proper diet, takes medication, and is subjected to stress management.

It should also be mentioned that eating large meals, enduring stress, and having food intolerance could trigger IBS symptoms. Symptoms such as diarrhea and constipation can in themselves impede the absorption of nutrients.

Malabsorption of Nutrients

The IBS Treatment Centre in Seattle has confirmed that IBS symptoms may lead to malabsorption of nutrients in IBS patients. Some malabsorption of nutrient issues includes anemia. Anemia is an iron deficiency in which the body is not able to absorb sufficient iron and sometimes even vitamin B12. The implication of anemia is that the body does not produce enough red blood cells. An anemia sufferer will experience symptoms such as fatigue. This is caused by the blood being unable to provide the cells with the required oxygen to function optimally.

A further issue of the malabsorption of nutrients is that IBS patients might lack sufficient protein. Having too low a supply of protein may lead to mental impairment.

Potential Ways of Avoiding Malabsorption of Nutrients

Conditions such as anemia may be detected via blood tests ordered by a doctor. Once this condition has been diagnosed, it may be treated by taking a course of iron tablets. Should the patient also lack vitamin B12, this may be ameliorated by a course of vitamin B12 injections.

However, an underlying issue with IBS is that treatment should be approached holistically. This means providing stress-management education and outlining a healthy and nutrient-rich diet consisting of small meals eaten at regular intervals. Laxatives and fiber supplements may also be helpful. In addition to all the above, medication prescribed by a doctor may also be required.

An IBS sufferer should avoid foods that contain Fermentable Oligo-Di-Monosaccharides and Polyols (FODMAP). FODMAP refers to foods that contain fructose, such as fruit, lactose, such as found in dairy products, fructans such as those found in garlic, wheat, and onions, Galatians as found in legumes, and polyols such as sugar alcohols. Food containing these substances once blended with water in the intestinal tract can lead to digestion problems and fermentation, or to typical IBS symptoms such as flatulence, diarrhea, and bloating.

Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

LESSONS IN MINDFULNESS FROM THE TAO OF POOH

It’s nearly four decades since Benjamin Hoff released his bestseller, The Tao of Pooh. The book focused on Taoist life lessons. Taoism is a philosophy with its origins in China. Taoism teaches listeners how to live in harmony with the universe. Benjamin did show that practitioners are not automatically wise women and men from the Far East. Rather, the real master of Tao was Winnie the Pooh. The Tao of Pooh offers precious life lessons that truly resonate with our new reality. The central character of the book is Winnie the Pooh. Winnie personifies the Taoist belief of non-action or merely being. Like Piglet, Owl, Tigger, and Eeyore, other characters represent the human  predisposition to overcomplicate things in life. Taoism: Tao means ‘path’ or ‘way,’ and Taoism has its roots in an ancient book written in about the 3rd century BC −Tao Te Ching (The Way and its Power) by  Laozi;. However, some believe the book was written by different authors. Still, in simple terms, the philo...
Post a Comment
Read more

6 Tips for the ultimate Mediterranean bathroom

A bathroom can be expensive to decorate, but it can also add much value to your property. However, if you need to correct mistakes, not only could the renovations upset your budget, but also can greatly reduce any rate of return on your investment. The best option, therefore, is to plan your bathroom with professionals, such as bathroom designers, who can advise you on quality tiles and fittings, and make recommendations for reliable tilers and plumbers. However, besides the functionality of the bathroom, over and above the layout and plumbing, most of us are more concerned with an aesthetic appearance. If, for instance, your main bedroom already sports the Mediterranean style, you might want that style flowing into your bathroom, creating a connection between the two spaces. 1 The choice between classic and modern Deciding between a modern bathroom, or a classic interpretation of the Mediterranean style will depend on your own preference. It will also be determined by the loo...
Post a Comment
Read more

Quo Vadis – Go On a Once-In-A-Lifetime Seychelles Adventure

Do you want to experience the beauty of the islands and atolls of the Seychelles? In this crystal-clear water, brilliantly coloured reefs and abundant exotic fish species, guided snorkelling, diving, and freediving trips are on offer − all while onboard the custom-built and fully equipped MV Quo Vadis. Explore uninhabited islands in the Seychelles Explore the most remote uninhabited islands in the Seychelles, up close. At various dive stops you will see manta rays, stingrays, turtles, moray eels, barracuda, sharks, tuna, grouper, snapper, trevally, and many more vibrant and rare species. Divers can also experience the most enchanting marine life, with waters lapping the side of the hull as gently as a luxury resort swimming pool, but surrounded by the special tropical blue and green of the islands. These islands are bounded by pearly white sands and granite rock formations and highlighted by the sun's radiance. Go on an adrenaline rush Guided snorkelling, diving, and freedi...
Post a Comment
Read more