Gut Gone Wild: IBS vs. IBS – How to Stop Looking Pregnant When You're Not!

Apr 24

Struggling with symptoms like debilitating cramps, diarrhea, constipation, and bloating that make you feel like you're nine months pregnant? You're not alone! In the United States, an estimated 45 million people battle Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), while roughly 1.6 million Americans cope with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). Despite their similar acronyms, IBS and IBD are vastly different conditions.

Unraveling the Digestive Dilemma: IBS vs. IBD

Both conditions affect digestion, including the esophagus, stomach, and intestines. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is classified as a chronic syndrome, defined by a group of symptoms, that does not involve inflammation. It is like a rollercoaster ride for your intestines— where things move too fast or too slow, resulting in stomach pain. Unlike IBD, it doesn't involve inflammation and rarely requires serious medical intervention or surgery. IBS typically does not progress into IBD or result in permanent intestinal damage, such as bleeding or cancer.

As both IBD and IBS are chronic gastrointestinal conditions, they share some common symptoms:

Abdominal pain
Bloating
Diarrhea
Constipation
Alternating Diarrhea and Constipation
Urgent Bowel Movement

However, while these conditions share a symptomatology, it's crucial to recognize their unique features and underlying causes.

Symptoms of IBS

Gas
Mucus in Stool
Nausea

Symptoms of IBS and their severity often vary significantly among individuals and are commonly triggered by consuming large meals or in times of high stress.

In the world of Functional Medicine, we're all about digging deep to find out what's really behind your health issues. But here's the thing: one problem can have different causes. Out of ten people dealing with IBS, each one might have a different root cause, that why a personalized approach becomes critically important.

Detecting IBS can be challenging because even during a colonoscopy, everything may appear normal—no red flags, no abnormalities. Lab tests also come back clean, showing no signs of inflammation. It's like trying to solve a mystery with all the clues pointing to "nothing." That‘s why working with an experienced practitioner is not just helpful, it is essential.

Common Root Causes of IBS

GI Infection
Food sensitivities
SIBO
Lack of digestive enzymes
Parasites
Yeast overgrowth
Deficiency in zinc or magnesium
Heavy metal toxicity
Chronic Stress
Frequent Use of Antibiotics

Crohn’s Disease and ulcerative colitis stand out as the most prevalent forms of IBD, igniting chronic inflammation within the gastrointestinal tract. Picture Crohn’s Disease as a wandering traveler, capable of journeying through any part of the digestive tract, but often setting up camp in the small intestine or upper large intestine. Meanwhile, ulcerative colitis paints a different picture, sparking inflammation and the formation of ulcers exclusively in the large intestine—namely, the colon and rectum.

In the arena of discomfort, Crohn’s disease typically triggers pain in the lower right abdomen, while ulcerative colitis often results in discomfort on the left side of the abdomen. Nonetheless, both conditions can cause pain anywhere in the abdominal region. When it comes to diagnosis, IBD often presents visible signs of disease during diagnostic imaging and carries an increased risk for colon cancer.

Symptoms of IBD

Experiencing five or more loose bowel movements daily for six weeks or longer
Frequent bowel movements occurring during the night
Bloody or black stool
Rectal bleeding
Fatigue
Fever
Loss of appetite
Unintentional weight loss
Anemia
Inflammation in the skin, joints, or eyes

Root Causes of IBD

Overactive Immune System
Genes
Chronic Stress
Childhood Trauma
Processed Foods
Antibiotics
Exposure to Chemicals
Pathogens like Parasites, Clostridium, Lyme, H.pylori or mold
Hormonal Changes

Since IBD involves an overactive immune system, it’s like setting off fireworks—certain foods, bacteria, viruses, or chemicals trigger exaggerated reactions, fueling chronic inflammation. It is a viscous cycle!

In essence, whether you're navigating the rollercoaster of IBS or grappling with the challenges of IBD, only by understanding the differences between the two, you can pave the way for tailored strategies and a path towards relief. Take charge of your health journey and learn how to find immediate relief from IBD and IBS with my comprehensive guide.