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Symptoms, Causes, and Treatments
What is Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)?
IBS is a common disorder of the digestive system that affects how the gut functions. It causes recurring abdominal discomfort, bloating, and changes in bowel habits such as diarrhea, constipation, or a mix of both. Unlike some digestive diseases, IBS does not cause damage to the intestines, but it can significantly impact daily comfort and quality of life.
Common Symptoms Include
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Abdominal pain or cramping, often relieved after a bowel movement
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Bloating and excess gas
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Changes in bowel habits, such as diarrhea, constipation, or alternating between both
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Urgency to have a bowel movement
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Mucus in the stool
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A feeling of incomplete evacuation after using the bathroom
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Worsening symptoms with stress, certain foods, or hormonal changes
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Relief after passing stool or gas
What causes it?
The exact cause of IBS isn’t fully understood, but several contributors play a role:
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Gut-brain communication issues – the nervous system and digestive tract may send exaggerated signals.
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Stress and emotional factors, which can trigger or worsen symptoms.
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Altered gut motility, where muscles in the intestines contract too quickly or too slowly.
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Visceral hypersensitivity, meaning the gut becomes overly sensitive to normal sensations.
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Dietary triggers, such as certain high-FODMAP foods, caffeine, or fatty meals.
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Hormonal changes, especially in women, which may influence bowel patterns.
Possible contributors include:
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Stress and anxiety – psychological stress can heighten gut sensitivity.
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Dietary triggers – high-FODMAP foods, caffeine, alcohol, fatty or spicy foods.
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Gut microbiome imbalances – changes in gut bacteria may influence symptoms.
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Hormonal fluctuations – especially around menstruation in women.
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Poor sleep or fatigue – disrupts nervous system regulation and digestion.
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Infections or gut inflammation – a past stomach bug may trigger long-term sensitivity.
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Overactive gut-brain signaling – miscommunication between the nervous system and digestive tract.
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Genetic predisposition – IBS can run in families.
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Lack of regular routines – irregular meals, hydration, or activity levels.
A Neuroplasticity-Based Approach
IBS involves a sensitive “gut-brain connection.” Neuroplasticity—the brain’s ability to change and adapt—can help retrain how the nervous system interprets and responds to gut signals. By calming overactive pathways and creating new, healthier brain-gut patterns, symptoms can improve over time.
At Menda, we use therapies that help retrain the brain and calm the nervous system. Approaches such as Pain Reprocessing Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy can help reduce the brain’s fatigue signals and restore balance. By teaching the nervous system new, safer patterns, people can gradually rebuild their energy, resilience, and quality of life.
You don’t have to keep living with these symptoms. Explore Menda’s evidence-based therapies designed to rewire the brain and restore balance.
Key Neuroplasticity-Informed Strategies
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Gut-directed relaxation: Breathing practices, meditation, or progressive muscle relaxation to ease stress on the gut.
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Cognitive reframing: Shifting thoughts that amplify fear or discomfort around symptoms.
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Gradual exposure to foods and activities: Reintroducing certain foods or situations gently to reduce hypersensitivity.
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Mind-body therapies: Practices like yoga, tai chi, or guided imagery to regulate stress and gut responses.
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Routine support: Maintaining steady sleep, hydration, and eating habits for nervous system stability.
Why Neuroplasticity Works
IBS is not just a digestive issue—it’s also a nervous system sensitivity issue. The brain and gut communicate through the gut-brain axis. Repeated calming strategies can “rewire” this communication, reducing overreaction to gut sensations. Over time, the nervous system learns to interpret signals more accurately, decreasing pain, urgency, and bloating.
When to Seek Care
See a healthcare professional if you experience:
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Unexplained weight loss
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Blood in your stool
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Persistent vomiting
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Severe or worsening abdominal pain
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Nighttime symptoms that wake you from sleep
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Family history of inflammatory bowel disease or colon cancer
Even if your symptoms seem mild, a proper diagnosis helps rule out other conditions and ensures the best management plan.
