Irritable Bowel Syndrome poses a significant burden on young adults, impacting their physical health, emotional well-being, and quality of life.
Young adults with increased stress in their lives, and who live a sedentary lifestyle with no exercise and also eat a poor diet may be at high risk of developing irritable bowel syndrome. While there are no specific causes of IBS, it may be related to an overly sensitive colon or immune system, as per health experts. To subscribe please click tau.id/2iy6f and access our live channel.
What is Irritable Bowel Syndrome?
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a common gastrointestinal disorder characterized by abdominal pain, bloating, and changes in bowel habits without any underlying structural abnormality. It is a common disorder that affects the stomach and intestines, leading to abdominal cramping, diarrhoea, constipation, bloating, and gas.
What Causes of IBS
- Dietary Cause
The young are more at risk as consumption of fast food that is spicy, oily, and also contains added sugars, salts, fats, and artificial ingredients; and intake of aerated drinks are high among the young generation. These food items not only lack nutrition but also can impact the balance of gut bacteria triggering IBS symptoms.
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- Psychological Cause
Excessive mental stress can create hormonal disturbances which may have an impact on digestion. Anxiety also changes the regulation of blood and oxygen throughout the body which impacts the stomach causing diarrhoea, constipation, gas, or discomfort.
- Hormonal Fluctuations
Hormonal fluctuations, particularly in females, can influence gastrointestinal function and contribute to IBS symptoms. Young women may experience hormonal changes due to menstruation, pregnancy, or contraceptive use, all of which can impact bowel habits and exacerbate the symptoms.
- Lifestyle Changes
Transitioning from adolescence to adulthood often involves shifts in diet, exercise, stress levels, and sleep patterns. Poor dietary choices, irregular eating habits, and high stress levels can exacerbate gastrointestinal symptoms, contributing to the onset or worsening of IBS.
- Gut Microbiota Imbalance
The gut microbiota, comprising trillions of microorganisms, plays a crucial role in maintaining gut health and immune function. Disruptions in gut microbiota composition, known as dysbiosis, have been associated with the development of IBS. Factors such as antibiotic use, dietary changes, and stress can disrupt the delicate balance of gut microbiota, predisposing young adults to IBS.
How to Reduce The Risk
To reduce the risk of IBS, one must adopt a fibre-rich diet, refrain from alcohol use, do regular exercise, and manage stress through yoga and meditation. However, the doctors warned not to overlook the symptoms of IBS such as bloating, constipation, diarrhoea, excessive strain when passing a stool, repeated belching, abdominal pain, or cramps, particularly with bowel movements.
Management of IBS in young adults focuses on symptom relief and improving quality of life. This often involves a multidisciplinary approach, including dietary modifications, stress management techniques, pharmacotherapy, and psychological interventions such as cognitive-behavioral therapy.
Conclusion
Understanding the unique risk factors associated with IBS in this demographic is essential for early recognition, intervention, and support. By addressing lifestyle factors, managing stress, and promoting gut health, healthcare providers can empower young adults to better manage their IBS symptoms and improve overall health outcomes.
