According to Dr. Imran Shaikh, Wockhardt Hospital, Mumbai Central (India), irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common digestive disorder that causes both constipation and diarrhea, depending on the individual and the stage. IBS syndrome has three main types:
IBS-D (diarrhea): The main symptoms are diarrhea, loose stools, and a feeling of urgency to have a bowel movement.
IBS-C (constipation): The main symptoms are constipation, hard, dry stools, and difficulty passing stools.
IBS-M (mixed): Symptoms combine both constipation and diarrhea, which can vary over short periods of time, even on the same day.
Why does IBS cause both constipation and diarrhea?
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a complex digestive disorder that can cause a variety of symptoms, including constipation and diarrhea, says Dr. Imran Shaikh. This happens because IBS affects the function and activity of the digestive system, especially peristalsis (the contractions of the intestines that push food through the digestive tract). Reasons why IBS can cause both conditions include:
Intestinal motility disorders: Intestinal motility is irregular, too fast causes diarrhea, too slow causes constipation.
Stress sensitivity: Stress increases gut sensitivity, causing changes between constipation and diarrhea.
Gut bacterial imbalance: Unbalanced bacteria alter digestive function, leading to IBS symptoms.
Dietary and environmental triggers: Certain foods or eating habits can make symptoms worse.
Managing IBS with mixed symptoms
Change your diet
Low FODMAP diet: Avoid fermentable carbohydrates such as fructose, lactose, fructans to reduce IBS symptoms. This helps identify foods to avoid.
Increase soluble fiber: Add oats and psyllium to relieve constipation. Avoid insoluble fiber, which can make diarrhea worse.
Limit carbonated and alcoholic beverages: Avoid causing bloating or flatulence.
Drink enough water: Helps avoid dehydration and reduces IBS symptoms.
Stress Management
Stress reduction: Practices such as yoga, meditation, or deep breathing help reduce stress, which is especially important for people with PTSD or IBS.
Use of drugs
Antidiarrheal medications: Loperamide (Imodium) helps control diarrhea.
Laxative: Used for constipation, helps soften stools.
Probiotics: Helps balance gut bacteria and improve IBS symptoms.
Change your lifestyle
Exercise regularly: Improves gut health and reduces stress.
Eat on time: Helps stabilize bowel movements.
Keep a food diary: Helps identify foods that trigger IBS symptoms.
