How To Treat Ibs Fatigue

The Vagus Nerve Plays A Key Role In Ibs

We also know that theres a disconnection in communication between the gut and the brain with IBS. And thats where the vagus nerve comes in. Its the longest cranial nerve in your body, beginning in your neck and passing through your thorax all the way to your abdomen.

The vagus nerve connects your brain to the heart, lungs, liver, and pancreas. Its job is to regulate the function of the autonomic nervous system or the part of your nervous system that functions automatically. Things like your heartbeat, breathing, blinking, liver and kidney function, urination, and more.

The vagus nerve also stimulates certain key digestive functions, including the churning of food in the stomach, producing stomach acid, and producing bile in the liver and gallbladder.

But the vagus nerve can only function properly when your body is in a parasympathetic state, known as a state of rest and digest. When the vagus nerve isnt functioning optimally, often due to high stress levels, we see low levels of stomach acid and low enzyme production.

This leads to poor digestion, heartburn, SIBO, and IBS symptoms like constipation and diarrhea. If left unaddressed, dysfunction in the vagus nerve can lead to conditions like poor intestinal motility, Inflammatory Bowel Disease , ulcerative colitis, acid reflux, and GERD.

How We Diagnose Ibs In Functional Medicine

The first thing were going to do when you come into our office is spend some time getting to know you. What are your stress levels like? Hows your diet? How do you feel after you eat? Are you getting enough sleep and exercise? These things can all play a role in helping us diagnose the underlying cause of your symptoms.

Well look for the less obvious signs of nutrient deficiencies, like dry, scaly skin which could indicate low levels of B12 and iron. We also perform specialized diagnostic testing on the spot so we can get you feeling better right away. This may include blood tests to check nutrient levels and organ function, as well as stool tests to assess the health of your microbiome. A breath test can tell us if the levels of methane or hydrogen in your breath are high, which can also indicate a high level of bacteria in the gut.

Were looking for those subtle patterns that can tell us the underlying cause of your symptoms.

Best Ways To Battle Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Get to know your triggers and ways to prevent flare-ups.

Cramping, abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, and constipation are tough to handle at any time. But if a combination of these symptoms occurs over three or more months, you may have a condition called irritable bowel syndrome . It’s the most common diagnosis made by gastroenterologists, accounting for as many as 3.5 million physician visits per year. “I see someone with this condition every day,” says gastroenterologist Dr. Jacqueline Wolf, associate professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School.

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Does Ibs Cause Fatigue

According to a systematic study published by The World Journal of Gastroenterology, fatigue is a common symptom of IBS. We also see the connection between IBS and fatigue in our patients every day. One reason is that IBS is often accompanied by nutrient deficiencies that can leave you feeling wrung out and just generally unwell.

For example, the bad bacteria in your gut love vitamin B12, which is an essential nutrient for energy and metabolism. When the microbiome is out of balance, as it often is with IBS, the bad bacteria in your gut are consuming your vitamin B12 before your body has a chance to use it, leaving you feeling chronically tired.

Another example is vitamin D, a fat-soluble vitamin connected to energy and immunity. Bile is an enzyme produced by your liver and stored in your gallbladder and used to absorb fats. Unfortunately, bad bacteria also like to eat bile, which leaves you unable to absorb fats and fat-soluble vitamins, including vitamin D, E, and A.

And lets not forget that stress is a major contributing factor in IBS. Chronic stress can also leave you feeling exhausted and overwhelmed, so theres a connection there as well.

Key Points About Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

• Chronic fatigue syndrome is characterized by profound tiredness.
• Symptoms often worsen with physical or mental activity.
• In addition to severe fatigue, symptoms include light sensitivity, headache, muscle and joint pain, difficulty concentrating, mood swings, and depression.
• Treatments may include medicines, exercise, supplements, and counseling.

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Is Fatigue A Symptom Of Ibs

Whenever youre questioning if one of your symptoms fits into a typical pattern of IBS, the Rome Criteria are what you need to use. These criteria were developed by IBS experts around the world to accurately diagnose IBS, listing the typical symptoms plus some other symptoms that might indicate another disorder.

Were up to version four of these criteria in 2018, but earlier versions are also useful because they are a bit more specific about the symptoms that doctors think are important when treating IBS patients.

If we look at the Rome II criteria, it should be noted that none of the symptoms listed involve tiredness or fatigue.

In fact, two of the red flag symptoms those warning symptoms which should be carefully investigated as they may indicate a disorder other than IBS are pain that awakens or interferes with sleep and diarrhea that awakens or interferes with sleep.”

This suggests that if your pain or diarrhea ever causes you problems at night, you should get it checked out.

What Causes An Ibs Flare

It’s unclear what causes episodes of IBS symptoms, but several studies have shown the following factors may play a part in IBS flare-ups:

• Eating âtriggerâ foods: High FODMAPs foods may cause IBS symptoms.
• Stress: both short and long-term stress, for example from situations at work or in life in general, can increase gut problems.
• Gastrointestinal infection: Especially in severe cases, gut infections have been shown to trigger IBS symptoms.
• Psychological condition: anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder can all bring on an IBS flare-up.

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Effects Of Inflammation On The Gut

Patients with CFS manifest symptoms suggestive of disturbed gut function, such as abdominal pain, diarrhea and/or constipation . Under both physiological and pathological conditions, the ENS, the intrinsic innervation of the bowel, regulates intestinal mucosal function and coordinates the activity of the GI tract. The ENS is a component of the autonomic nervous system with the unique ability to function independently from the CNS . Enteric ganglia are organized into two major ganglionated plexuses, namely the myenteric and submucosal plexus, and contain a variety of functionally distinct neurons, including primary afferent neurons, interneurons, and motor neurons, synaptically linked to each other in microcircuits.

Why Does Ibs Make You Tired

Well over half of people with IBS also report suffering from fatigue. In fact, fatigue is the third most common symptom for those with IBS. The only two more common symptoms? Abdominal pain and altered bowel movements.

There is a direct connection between fatigue and GI symptoms. The worse the abdominal pain / GI symptoms, the worse the fatigue. Some studies found fatigue worse in IBS-C. Other studies found fatigue worse in IBS-D.

But no matter which IBS you suffer from, you are going to suffer from fatigue.

Your guts connect to your brain through a super-highway of nerves. Some call this the gut-brain axis. Below, Ill show you how the gut-brain axis can wreak havoc on your energy levels!

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Poor Diet In Ibs Can Cause Fatigue

Maybe youre eating enough food, but its not the sort of food that is really giving your body the nutrients that it needs.

You could be low in iron, protein, or carbohydrates which all help to give us energy. Surviving on processed foods low in essential vitamins and minerals can lead to fatigue.

Working with a qualified nutritionist can help to identify how to broaden your diet variety in a way that doesnt trigger symptoms. If youre stuck between not knowing which dietary changes to make to make for the best it can feel very confusing read my article about how to make dietary compromises for IBS

Can An Irritable Bowel Cause Fatigue

Its difficult to say whether IBS itself can cause tiredness, but theres evidence to show they are often found together.

One published study looked at 24 previous studies to search for a link between IBS and fatigue and found that there was a very strong correlation between the two more than half the IBS patients studied felt tired for much of the time.

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Eliminate Food Sensitivities And Allergens

More and more research is pointing to a link between food allergies and sensitivities and chronic fatigue syndrome. Allergies to certain foods, pollen, metals and other environmental chemicals may be causing the rising number of individuals with CFS.

According to a study published in the Scandinavian Journal of Gastroenterology, IBS, fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue are linked, and researchers were surprised. In a study of 84 patients that had been referred for unexplained digestive problems, nearly all patients qualified for a diagnosis of IBS, 85 percent had chronic fatigue syndrome and 71 percent had fibromyalgia. The common denominator, researchers in this study believe, is poor digestion and food sensitivities.

Gluten & Other Common Intolerances

For example, one of todays most common food sensitivities is agluten sensitivity. Lactose intolerance, a casein allergy and an intolerance of other common allergens also may be at the root of chronic fatigue. Other common allergens include tree nuts, peanuts, dairy, soy, shellfish and yeast.

I suggestion is to consider taking an IgG test to help you determine the foods that you are sensitive to then you can eliminate them from your diet. By getting rid of your personal known allergens, symptoms of IBS, ADHD, cystic fibrosis, rheumatoid arthritis and chronic fatigue can potentially be relieved.

Candida Imbalance

Casein

H. Pylori

What Are The Symptoms Of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Symptoms of CFS often mimic the flu. The following are the most common symptoms of CFS. However, each person may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may include:

• Sensitivity to light
• Low-grade fever

The symptoms of CFS may look like other medical conditions. Always talk with your healthcare provider for a diagnosis.

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The Weird And Wonderful Symptoms Associated With Ibs

People with IBS often suffer from additional symptoms outside of their digestive tract. Doctors call these extra-intestinal symptoms. These symptoms are sometimes linked to the digestive tract. But at other times they can affect other parts of the body that seem to have nothing in common with the gut.

Those strange, seemingly unexplainable symptoms you have could actually be related to IBS!

The GI-related symptoms of IBS include:

• Abdominal pain and/or cramping

If youve already tried to get conventional treatment for IBS, you know how frustrating this can be. It only becomes more challenging when your IBS causes fatigue, headaches, or anxiety. Thats because medical professionals often dismiss these symptoms as they dont realize they are related.

And unfortunately that includes fatigue. Even though IBS and fatigue usually go hand in hand. Ill show you why IBS makes you tired in the next section!

Should I See My Doctor About Irritable Bowel Syndrome Symptoms

It is important to see your doctor if you develop symptoms. They may check for other conditions before diagnosing you with IBS.

See your doctor if:

• you are concerned about your symptoms, and if they are severe or ongoing
• if you notice any blood in your stools
• if you have unexplained or unintentional weight loss
• you have fever or severe diarrhoea

These symptoms are unlikely to be caused by IBS, and so it is important that a health professional checks them to exclude a more serious condition.

The Healthdirect Question Builder tool can help you prepare for your appointment.

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How Is Irritable Bowel Syndrome Diagnosed

Often your doctor can diagnose IBS just by asking you some key questions about your symptoms.

A diagnosis of IBS can be made if the following criteria, known as the Rome IV, are met.

Recurrent abdominal pain associated with at least 2 of these symptoms:

• pain related to bowel motion
• a change in the frequency more frequent or less frequent of when you poo
• a change in the consistency or appearance of faeces
• Symptoms must be present for 6 months before a diagnosis of IBS is made

If you are over 40 years old, have a family or personal history of bowel cancer or if your doctor thinks that your symptoms might be associated with another health condition, they might carry out or refer you for one or more of the following tests:

• a general health check-up
• sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy

Urgent Advice: See Your Gp Urgently If:

You have other symptoms, including:

• a change in your bowel habits that has lasted for more than six weeks, especially if you are over 50 years of age
• unexplained weight loss
• a swelling or lump in your stomach or back passage
• bleeding from your back passage

These can sometimes be a sign of a potentially more serious condition.

You should also tell your GP if you have these symptoms and a family history of bowel cancer or ovarian cancer.

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Ways To Treat Ibs Naturally

Below are 11 ways on how to treat IBS naturally.

All of the natural remedies mentioned below are backed with science and proven to have some benefit on IBS symptoms.

Please note that natural remedies cannot cure IBS, however, they can help to manage your IBS symptoms. Everyone with IBS is unique so there is no one size fits all approach

How Can I Reduce The Symptoms Of Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Although IBS cannot be prevented, symptoms can be reduced, and healthy lifestyle habits can often help.

Careful changes to your diet can help reduce the symptoms of IBS.

One tip that may help you reduce your symptoms is to simply increase your intake of high-fibre foods.

It is best to slowly increase your fibre intake up to the recommended daily dose to avoid bloating and wind-related discomfort.

The current recommendation for adults is to eat at least 25g to 30g of fibre each day. In a typical day, try to include 1 serving of high-fibre breakfast cereal in the morning, at least 5 servings of fruit and vegetables throughout the day and 3 servings of dairy foods if you are lactose intolerant, chose a dairy-free or low lactose alternative as well as 6 to 8 glasses of water.

If this is difficult for you, ask your pharmacist for a soluble fibre supplement, such as psyllium.

Some foods and drinks commonly trigger IBS, so try to reduce your intake of the following to see if this helps:

• gas-producing foods, such as onion, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, dried beans, lentils and cauliflower
• foods with lactose such as milk, ice-cream, some yoghurts
• alcoholic drinks
• artificial sweeteners in food and drink, such as aspartame, sorbitol and mannitol

A dietitian can help you identify your individual triggers and can work with you to create a balanced diet that suits you.

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Sleep Problems Can Be Worse For People With Ibs

If youre not getting around 8 hours of quality sleep you may feel very tired. People with IBS seem to have poor sleep, but there is limited evidence as to why. Some people with IBS wake more frequently during the night.

It could be blood sugar management, poor diet, anxiety, abdominal pains or other GI symptoms.

We feel more pain when we are very tired, feel more anxious and have increased hunger hormones. This can make us crave starchy foods for a quick glucose fix. Some people report more abdominal pain, anxiety, and fatigue after a bad nights sleep.

Sleep hygiene tips like reducing stress, exercise, having dark room, and blocking blue light before bed can all help improve your sleep quality.

Why Treating Ibs Is Such A Pain In The Gut

If you didnt think IBS was already confusing, the way that its diagnosed wont help clear things up. At the time of this writing, IBS is diagnosed using the Rome IV criteria. In order for IBS to be diagnosed, the following symptoms need to exist:

• Recurrent abdominal pain on average at least 1 day/week in the last 3 months, associated with two or more of the following criteria:
• Related to defecation
• Associated with a change in the frequency of stool .
• Associated with a change in the appearance of stool . If you notice a dramatic change in your stool, then this section is marked positive.

These rather vague descriptions are then broken down into subtypes based on the key symptom. The IBS sub-types are:

IBS-C

• Constipation is the primary symptom

IBS-D

• Those with this type mainly suffer from loose stools or diarrhea.

IBS-M

• Those with IBS-M suffer from alternating or mixed loose stools and constipation.

How do you know what type of IBS you have?

The Bristol Stool Chart, shown on the right, is a great way to determine whether your bowel movements are too loose, too firm, or, just right.

Types 3 and 4 are healthy bowel movements. As you move up the scale your bowel movements move towards constipation . As you move down the scale you move towards diarrhea . But remember, in order to be diagnosed with IBS, you must also be suffering from abdominal pain.

Is it the food you eat?

Is it your stress levels?

Was it triggered by last years food poisoning?

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