What Role Does the Gut Flora Play in IBS?
Our gut flora consists of bacteria and other microbes that naturally reside in the gut and promote digestion.
The number of gut bacteria in a healthy individual should be around 10 trillion, with about 400 different bacterial species. Our gut flora weighs about 1.5 kilograms – the same as the liver, which is the central organ for all metabolic processes.
It can be concluded from this that our gut flora – also referred to by some doctors as a separate organ – plays a central role in our health.
In Irritable Bowel Syndrome, particular attention is given to the microbiome (gut flora). Compared to healthy individuals, the gut flora in IBS patients is altered, resulting in local inflammation and a permeable gut. This leads to inflammatory changes and ultimately a dysfunction of the bowel.
What Role Does Nutrition Play in the Development of Irritable Bowel Syndrome?
To build up the microbiome, we need more fiber in our diet: whole grains, legumes, flaxseeds, psyllium husks, wheat germ, fruits, and vegetables. In contrast, meat, fish, eggs, and dairy products contain no fiber.
Probiotics are preparations containing viable microorganisms that also contribute to building up the gut flora. For example, probiotic lactic acid bacteria found in kefir, yogurt, buttermilk, or sauerkraut.
Prebiotics, on the other hand, promote the growth and activity of bacteria already living in our colon. Prebiotic foods include, among others: artichoke, chicory, or asparagus.
In contrast, sugared and industrially processed products are low in fiber, contain many additives, and so damage the intestinal mucosa. Therefore, those who enjoy a diet rich in white bread, fast food, and sweets are at risk of developing irritable bowel syndrome.
Food & Symptoms Diary
A useful method for uncovering the connection between food and beverages we have consumed and the symptoms we experience is to keep a food & symptoms diary.
Often, abdominal discomfort can be linked to specific foods. These foods that irritate the intestines should be initially eliminated from the diet, for example, for 14 days, and then gradually reintroduced.
If a specific food causes further discomfort, it either needs to be consumed in small quantities or completely excluded from the menu.
What Should Be Eaten with Irritable Bowel Syndrome?
According to Prof. Dr. Labenz, there is no uniform irritable bowel syndrome diet that could bring relief to every IBS patient. Often, a systematic analysis of the food diary is helpful in finding out which foods can cause discomfort.
To allow the intestines to calm down and regenerate to some extent, it is important to avoid consuming anything that could additionally irritate the intestines from the inside, either mechanically, chemically, or thermally.
This includes an excessive intake of fat, sweets, or cola, as well as avoiding bean coffee, alcoholic beverages, spicy foods, and fried foods. Isolated consumption of fresh and acidic fruits should also be avoided. Iced or excessively hot foods and drinks are also not recommended.
See "Get Rid of Your Symptoms with low-FODMAP diet: Part III”
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