It is estimated that 10-15% of the world’s population has IBS, but what is? IBS, or Irritable Bowel Syndrome, is a gastrointestinal (GI) tract disorder that includes the small and large intestine. This condition affects everyone differently, with some having minor discomfort and others having more significant side effects disrupting their daily life.
| Percentage of people with IBS | Amount of People with IBS | |
| Canada | 6 - 25% | ~ 5 million |
| USA | 10 - 15 % | ~ 25 - 45 million |
Common symptoms of IBS include cramping, abdominal pain, bloating and gas, constipation, diarrhea, and/or mucus in the stool. Because IBS is different for every person, the symptoms may not always be the same. Symptoms for IBS can be continuous and persistent for some, while others can resolve it, only for it to come back. It is not uncommon for people with IBS to have multiple symptoms simultaneously.
An easy trick for remembering the symptoms is to think of your ABC(D)'s:
A - Abdominal Cramping
B - Bloating
C - Constipation and/or
D - Diarrhea
What can I do if I have IBS?
Although there is no cure for treating IBS, there are treatments for relief of symptoms. The key is to avoid triggers that will aggravate your gut causing you to have these symptoms. Some of the treatments include diet changes, lifestyle changes, reducing stress, and taking some medications and supplements.
Diet
Studies have shown that 76% of IBS patients that followed a low FODMAP diet have improved their symptoms. But what is FODMAP, I've never heard of it? The low FODMAP diet was first developed by researchers at the Monash University in Australia. Low FODMAP diets have gained popularity over the years to provide benefits for people with digestive issues like IBS.
Low FODMAP diets work by reducing certain foods that contain specific carbohydrates that can cause irritation and problems in the gut. To learn more about the FODMAP diet, read our blog here.
Lifestyle
Alcohol, caffeine, and tobacco are the three biggest lifestyle contributors that can trigger your symptoms or even make them worse! These habits may be challenging to break, but slowly reducing your intake is a good way to start. If you have tried and are unsuccessful, discuss medications that can help with your doctor.
Stress
Psychological problems like stress can't cause IBS, but it can aggravate the symptoms. Most people experience worse symptoms during periods of increased stress or during their period. Try to find time to do activities that are relaxing to you, this can include light exercises like yoga which will also activate your digestive system.
Medications
There are several over the counter medications that can provide relief of day-to-day symptoms of IBS, but different people may respond differently to the same medication. For long term management of symptoms, it is recommended to take a fiber supplement.
Fiber is an essential nutrient that provides a wide range of health benefits, such as improved gut health, lower cholesterol, weight loss, IBS relief, and more! Soluble and insoluble fibers can help with IBS symptoms. Soluble fibers can act as a bulking agent, which can almost work like magic for those suffering from diarrhea. If you have constipation, fiber is crucial for regular bowel movement.
How can NutraStat help me?
Beta-glucans have been extensively researched to help maintain and support a healthy digestive system. NutraStat is a natural beta-glucan fiber uniquely designed to be the most effective mixture of both soluble and insoluble fiber on the market, meaning it can help those suffering from constipation and diarrhea.
We only use 100% non-GMO Canadian barley to extract our beta-glucan. We wanted to keep it natural so it can best support your digestive system without further irritating your symptoms.
