How to relieve the symptoms of functional colopathy?

1 in 4 French people are affected by functional irritable bowel syndrome , but what exactly is it?

What is functional irritable bowel syndrome?

Irritable bowel syndrome , also known as irritable bowel syndrome, is an intestinal disease that causes abdominal pain and a functional transit disorder, such as diarrhea, constipation, or both, alternating. It is an invisible, harmless disease that does not increase the risk of developing another digestive tract disease. It is simply a dysfunction of the intestine that is not easy to diagnose and has long been wrongly considered a psychological manifestation. You know the good old:

– “It’s stress, madam!”

Causes of IBS

There are several possible causes of functional irritable bowel syndrome :

1. Viral episode of gastroenteritis or taking antibiotics: They will create an imbalance of the intestinal flora ( dysbiosis )
2. Excessive consumption of irritating foods: Coffee, tea, spices, chocolate and citrus fruits can also play a role in the onset of the disease.
3. Gender: Women are more prone than men; hormones are thought to be responsible for the onset of attacks, particularly during the premenstrual period.
4. Chronic Stress and Anxiety: The balance between the brain and the gut (the second brain) is disrupted when you suffer from IBS. Stress and anxiety affect the digestive process, causing diarrhea and digestive disorders, which leads to intestinal dysbiosis. And this discomfort worsens stress and anxiety; it's a vicious cycle that's difficult to escape.

Symptoms of IBS

Each person is different and therefore symptoms can vary but some are particularly identifiable. To allow the doctor to diagnose functional irritable bowel syndrome , the patient must present at least 3 of the following signs:

1. Abdominal pain: spasms or contractions, of varying intensity. They usually appear after meals but can also occur at night and affect sleep quality. These attacks can last from a few hours to several days.
2. Flatulence: more common in people with functional colopathy and its emission is also an effective way to relieve abdominal pain.
3. Bloating : This is also common and is a discomfort that makes wearing tight clothing difficult, especially after meals. It may be accompanied by noises inside the digestive tract due to the movement of gas and liquids. Generally, passing gas or bowel movements relieves this symptom and the associated pain.
4. Constipation and/or diarrhea: In people with chronic irritable bowel syndrome, bowel movements are very common and stools are rarely normal.

In any case, this disease causes a general feeling of unease that must be taken seriously. Fortunately, there are solutions to relieve it.

What treatments are available for treating functional irritable bowel syndrome?

Functional irritable bowel syndrome (FIR ) is defined as symptoms that have persisted for at least six months. The treatments offered are primarily natural and are based primarily on a healthy lifestyle.

1. Ban the overconsumption of irritating foods that can be responsible for functional colopathy

Some foods are irritating to the colon, here are the ones to avoid:

1. Gluten: Studies show that this protein found in wheat, rye, and barley promotes gastrointestinal symptoms.
2. Lactose and dairy products in general: People with IBS also very often have an intolerance/sensitivity to milk. Consuming it worsens the symptoms.
3. Spicy meals: Spices like chili peppers cause large intestine spasms and diarrhea.
4. Processed foods, too fatty, too salty and too sweet which are clearly less digestible and bad for your health.
5. Raw vegetables: They are more difficult to digest and promote bloating.
6. Alcohol, coffee and tea, as well as sodas, especially those containing sweeteners, are particularly irritating to the intestine.

2. Consume more fiber to relieve irritable bowel syndrome

When you suffer from irritable bowel syndrome, you often experience alternating episodes of constipation and diarrhea. In the former case, it is advisable to eat more fiber, which is found, for example, in fruits, vegetables, legumes, and oilseeds.

3. Focus on foods rich in probiotics

People with this functional disease often suffer from dysbiosis (= imbalance of the intestinal flora). So to restore a balanced intestinal flora, we recommend that you include enough foods rich in probiotics such as fermented vegetables, fermented soy, sourdough bread but also yogurts and cheese .

4. Take antispasmodics to relieve pain

Finally, your doctor may prescribe treatment such as antispasmodics for pain related to irritable bowel syndrome. This does not cure the condition but can provide temporary pain relief.