IBS and a troublesome stomach - Sofia Antonsson
Approximately 15–20% of the population lives with IBS (irritable bowel syndrome). This makes IBS one of our most common gastrointestinal diagnoses.
Author: Sofia Antonsson, Registered Dietitian
Does it feel like your stomach controls more of your life than you’d like?
Do you find yourself thinking about what you can eat before you even leave the house? Planning your day around the nearest restroom? Sometimes turning down dinner invitations or trips just because your stomach feels unpredictable?
You are far from alone. Approximately 15–20% of the population lives with IBS (irritable bowel syndrome). This makes IBS one of our most common gastrointestinal diagnoses. Many people live with these symptoms for years without getting the right help.
"Your test results look fine"
Many who finally seek medical care are told much the same thing:
"Your test results look fine." "It’s probably stress." "Unfortunately, there isn't much we can do."
IBS is a functional gastrointestinal disorder. This means that while the bowel looks normal during examinations, it isn't functioning quite as it should.
It can cause symptoms such as:
- Bloating
- Gas
- Abdominal pain
- Diarrhea or constipation
- A stomach that feels unpredictable
IBS is not dangerous, but it can have a huge impact on your quality of life.
What causes IBS?
There is rarely a single explanation. It is usually a combination of several factors:
- The gut is more sensitive to gas and movement
- The communication between the brain and the gut is more reactive
- The gut microbiome may be altered
- Sometimes there is a history of infection or prolonged stress
The gut is full of nerve cells and is in constant communication with the brain. When the system becomes more sensitive, completely normal processes – such as gas formation or bowel movements – can be perceived as painful. This does not mean that the symptoms are "all in your head." It means that the entire system is more sensitive.
The gut microbiome – why everyone is talking about it
Trillions of bacteria live in our gut, helping with:
- Digestion
- Immune system
- Hormone regulation
- Signals to the brain
Research shows that the composition of bacteria often differs in people with IBS. Because people with IBS often have changes in their gut microbiome, it becomes more difficult to break down food – and symptoms arise.
Why the stomach reacts to certain foods
Certain carbohydrates are not completely broken down in the large intestine and produce gas. These are called FODMAPs (Fermentable Oligosaccharides, Disaccharides, Monosaccharides And Polyols).
For most people, this is completely normal. But with IBS, these carbohydrates can lead to:
- Increased gas production
- Distended bowel
- Pain
- Bloating
The FODMAP dietary treatment currently has the strongest scientific support for IBS. When followed correctly, approximately 75% experience symptom relief.
Have you already tried this?
It’s easy to try and solve it on your own – but without structure, it often leads you astray. You may have already tried:
- Gluten-free
- Lactose-free
- Probiotics
- Eating "gentle foods"
- Eating less fiber
The problem is that you often cut out the wrong foods, become unsure of what you can actually tolerate, and end up with an increasingly restricted diet. And that is exactly what we want to avoid.
That’s why we created Belly Balance
At Belly Balance, we have spent over 15 years working with people who have IBS and functional digestive issues. Our starting point is that you shouldn't have to live with a stomach that controls your life.
With the right structure, in most cases it is possible to:
- Reduce symptoms
- Understand what your specific stomach reacts to
- Eventually be able to eat a more varied diet again
The Belly Balance app
For those who want to work in a structured way on their own. In the app, you get:
- A clear step-by-step guide through the FODMAP dietary treatment
- FODMAP lists
- Recipes
- Help reintroducing foods in the right order
The goal isn't for you to eat restrictively for the rest of your life – but to find your personal balance.
Book an appointment with a dietitian
Sometimes doing it on your own isn't enough. At Belly Balance, you can book an appointment with a dietitian for:
- IBS and stomach issues
- The FODMAP dietary treatment
- Stomach problems linked to hormones and women's health
- Weight management
Book an appointment here: www.bellybalance.se
Special offer – 25% discount
Enter discount code RELIVO25 when you sign up for an annual subscription to Belly Balance via the website.
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