Have you ever experienced a gut wrenching pain in your stomach, which is quite often and you feel like your gut is taking a personal revenge out on you? Well, you are not alone ! Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a chronic gastrointestinal condition which directly affects the guts. It is a recurring condition which causes abdominal pain and affects the bowel habits.

Types of Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) :

IBS-D : Diarrhea-predominant

IBS-C : Constipation-predominant

IBS-M : Mixed type (diarrhea and constipation)

Causes :

• occur after food poisoning or infections
• consuming trigger foods such as dairy, gluten and caffeine
• emotional stress or anxiety 
• gut microbiome imbalance

Warning signs :

• abdominal pain
• bloating
• gas
• diarrhea
• constipation
• mucus in stool
• fatigue
• sleep disturbances

Managing IBS :

• Avoid carbohydrates
• identify your food triggers
• manage stress
• take your prescribed medications
• practice regular exercise
• consult a gastroenterologist

Irritable Bowel Syndrome is a very challenging disorder which is more than just a digestive issue. It can disrupt your regular activities. It is highly essential to understand the signs and causes and take precautionary actions against it.