April is Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) awareness month.
IBS is common condition which impacts 1 in 5 Australians, although this number may be higher given that gastrointestinal symptoms aren’t the easiest for some people to talk about – with 60% of Australians uncomfortable discussing gut health.
A gastrointestinal disorder that is characterised by symptoms such as diarrhoea, constipation, bloating, abdominal pain, excessive wind and nausea, IBS can occur at any age and typically occurs more commonly in women than in men.
There are various factors which can cause or contribute to IBS including stress, diet, infection, intestinal motility (speed of digestion) and gut microbiota (our gut bacteria).
However, there are a range of steps we can take to support and love our gut, to help manage symptoms of IBS, including:
– Managing stress levels
– Eating more plants
– Limiting processed food
– Exercising regularly
– Prioritising sleep.
If you are experiencing any of the symptoms of IBS, please speak with your GP.