No one will give you a specific cause of IBS. Some experts think IBS is a Motility Disorder.  An oversensitive or hyperactive gut is another possible cause of IBS. and the gut will react to changes influenced by stress, food and hormones.

With the typical chaotic bowel habit of IBS, it is not surprising that it is thought of as a motility disorder. The transit time from ingestion of food to excretion is abnormal.

In diarrhoea the transit time is faster and in constipation it is slower. There are two types of IBS, constipation predominant and diarrhoea predominant. In some cases constipation and diarrhoea alternate. Stools in IBS can vary from hard pellets to watery and unformed.

Some say there is a link between diet and IBS.
Certain foods will trigger IBS symptoms. Just eating food stimulates intestinal muscle activity. This is a normal action and the most common is the Gastro colic reflex. This reflex is strongest after breakfast. In IBS, large meals, fatty meals or just the wrong meal can trigger a very strong gastro colic reflex. This strong gut contraction can cause abdominal pains and or diarrhoea.

There is no evidence that food causes IBS but certain foods and the volume consumed at one time can trigger symptoms.

One suggestion is that the fault that results in IBS resides in the Nervous System. The Enteric Nervous System is a complex interconnection of brain cells in the gut. Some researchers believe that to understand IBS, we have to understand the workings of the Enteric Nervous System.

The highest level of serotonin, a neuro-chemical is found in the gut. Significant research is currently done on the chemical and its role in IBS.

Serotonin affects the nerves in the intestine and controls contractions of the smooth muscles of the gut. High serotonin levels are found in diarrhoea and low levels in constipation.

The gut can be affected by stress, anxiety and depression. In addition psychological trauma such as physical, emotional and sexual abuse can affect the gut. In IBS, records show a higher incidence of such trauma. Addressing these issues may produce better long term results.

Gastroenteritis as a cause of IBS: IBS can develop is 20-30% of cases of severe gastro-enteritis. Escherichia coli, Salmonella shigella and Camplobacter jejuni are the most common organisms involved. Serotonin levels in gastro-enteritis is very high and in cases that develop IBS this high level continues.

In some women, symptoms fluctuate during the menstrual cycle. The two hormones that control the menstrual cycle are oestrogen and progesterone. These hormones can affect the colon and the passage of residue along the gut. In some women IBS is worse at certain stage of their cycle.

Yeast according to Prof. Jonathan Bostoff of The Meddlesex Hospital could be a possible cause of IBS. These patients have reduced levels of friendly bacteria, Lactobacilli and Bifidobacteria in their large bowel. This results in overgrowth of Candida.

Possibly Related Posts:

• Acupunture Factors Map
• Acupuncture Cease Smoking
• Acupuncture For Excessive Blood Strain – A New Therapy That Works
• Acupuncture For Bronchial Asthma – Reality Or Fiction
• Acupuncture – Quick Escape From Infertility

More from This Site

• What causes panic attacks?
• What causes eczema?
• Resveratrol, What is it?