Causes of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a functional digestive disorder where symptoms occur despite the absence of visible structural disease. Rather than a single cause, IBS develops due to a complex interaction between the gut, brain, nervous system, and environmental factors.
For some individuals, symptoms begin after an infection or prolonged stress, while for others, food sensitivities, hormonal changes, or disturbed gut bacteria play a major role. Understanding the internal and external triggers of IBS is essential for identifying personal risk factors and managing symptoms more effectively.
What triggers IBS?
IBS is triggered by stress, anxiety, certain foods (spicy, dairy, caffeine), irregular meals, gut infections, hormonal changes, poor sleep, & disturbed gut bacteria.
These factors increase gut sensitivity and alter bowel movements, causing pain, bloating, diarrhea, or constipation despite normal medical tests.
Internal Triggers
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) does not have a single identifiable cause, but several internal physiological and genetic factors contribute to its development:
- Gut-Brain Axis Dysfunction: Abnormal communication between the gastrointestinal tract and the central nervous system could result in unusual bowel motility and increased sensitivity of the gastrointestinal tract.
- Visceral Hypersensitivity: Increased pain perception from the usual actions of the intestines and bowels is very common among people classified as having irritable bowel syndrome.
- Muscle Contraction Abnormalities: Abnormal activity in the muscles of the intestines can lead to symptoms associated with diarrhea or constipation.
- Genetic Predisposition: An individual having irritable bowel syndrome is more likely to occur when there is a family history of the syndrome due to the increased risk of both genetic and shared environmental elements.
- Dysbiosis: The function of the gastrointestinal tract and even its symptoms can be influenced by an altered composition of its bacteria and other microbes (the gut microbiome).
External Causes
Some things from the outside can potentially come before or set off IBS symptoms:
- Post-Infectious IBS: Some people might develop IBS after certain bacterial or viral infections that severely damage the gastrointestinal tract and change how the gut functions for a longer period.
- Food Sensitivities and Triggers: IBS does not come from specific food items like alcohol, high-fat dishes, dairy, caffeine, and fermentable carbohydrates (FODMAPs) that make symptoms worse, however, a lot of people with IBS seem to have trouble with these items.
- Antibiotic Use: IBS can develop in people with the right predisposition after spending a long time taking multiple doses of antibiotics since this can disrupt the normal gut flora.
Lifestyle and Environmental Risks
Daily habits and environmental factors may influence the onset or severity of IBS symptoms:
- Stress and Emotional Factors: Symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome can be worsened by chronic stress and trauma and may help to form dysregulation in gut-brain signaling.
- Dietary Patterns: Changes in bowel control can be caused by erratic eating habits, a low dietary fiber content, and a high level of processed foods.
- Sleep and Physical Activity: Increased symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome may occur due to poor sleep and lack of exercise, which may lead to a predisposition of some people to the syndrome.
Looking for Lasting Relief from the Causes of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)?
Homeopathy supports long-term IBS management by gently addressing individual triggers such as stress, food sensitivities, and gut imbalance.
Risk Groups
While IBS can affect individuals of all ages, certain groups are more commonly affected:
- Age: The condition is more common in the teenage years and early adulthood, and is seen some fewer times after the age of 50.
- Sex: More women are diagnosed with this IBS than men, which could have to do with differences in hormone levels and gut sensitivity.
- Mental Health Conditions: People with IBS, have common mental health symptoms like anxiety and depression, which can worsen the symptoms.
- Family History: People with close relatives that have IBS are more likely to develop it themselves, but this also demonstrates the potential influence of genetics and the environment that these people share.
Can It Be Prevented?
There is no definitive way to completely prevent IBS due to its multifactorial nature. However, adopting healthy habits may reduce risk or lessen symptom severity:
- Balanced Diet: Regular meals with adequate fiber and avoidance of individual trigger foods support healthier bowel function.
- Stress Management: Techniques such as meditation, yoga, or therapy can help modulate stress-related gut symptoms.
- Regular Physical Activity & Sleep: Exercise and good sleep hygiene support overall gut-brain health.
- Mindful Antibiotic Use: Avoid unnecessary antibiotic use to preserve healthy gut microbiota.
Book a Consultation for Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Care
With over 50 years of clinical experience and more than 1.5 million patients treated, Dr. Beri offers personalized, evidence-based homeopathic care focused on understanding and managing IBS triggers and related gastrointestinal concerns.
Book Now
Reviewed by the Dr. Beri Medical Team
Our team of qualified homeopathy doctors with 50+ years combined clinical experience ensures that all health content is medically accurate and trustworthy.
Meet Our Medical Team