Vim & Vigor - Fall 2018 - 52

DECODING YOUR

DIGESTIVE
DISTRESS

Irritable bowel syndrome and food intolerance are two
common culprits for stomach issues BY ZACK HOOPAUGH
Diarrhea, constipation, gas, cramping and bloating-sound familiar? While this might sound
like a Pepto-Bismol commercial, some may grimace as they're reminded of the symptoms
they face every single day.
But what causes these relentless digestive issues? The answer isn't always so clear. The two most
common culprits-irritable bowel syndrome and food intolerance-have similar symptoms, making
it difficult to determine the origin of digestive issues. In order to shed some light on the issue, Mehul
Parikh, MD, a GMC-affiliated gastroenterologist, offers some much-needed insight on these two
common conditions.

IRRITABLE BOWEL SYNDROME

3 What is irritable bowel syndrome?
Irritable bowel syndrome, or IBS, is a common chronic
condition affecting the large intestines. The symptoms of IBS
are caused by abnormalities in the function of the muscles and
nerves in the bowel, making it highly sensitive and reactive
during digestion.

FOOD INTOLERANCE

3 What is food intolerance?

Food intolerance is characterized as a hypersensitivity
to digesting certain foods. People with a food intolerance
typically experience digestive issues versus an immune
response like a food allergy. Some of the most common foods
that may cause problems include lactose, gluten, caffeine and
artificial additives.

3 What are the symptoms of IBS?
The most common symptoms are cramping, abdominal pain,
bloating, gas, diarrhea and/or constipation. Thankfully, most
of these symptoms can be managed by adjusting your diet and
lifestyle. Medications are also available. Interestingly, you may
have times where you experience symptoms and other times
where you might have no symptoms at all.

The most common symptoms of food intolerance mirror those
associated with IBS-bloating, stomach ache, diarrhea and/
or constipation. The primary distinction between the two is
that symptoms of food intolerance are only triggered when the
offending food has been consumed.

3 What causes IBS?
Family history, being female, being under the age of 50 and
having a mental health diagnosis all increase your risk for
IBS. Intestinal inflammation, changes in the good bacteria in
your gut and nerve signals that don't properly communicate
between your brain and intestine are all thought to contribute
to the syndrome, with food, stress and hormones being
common triggers.

3 What causes food intolerance?
Because food intolerance can develop at any age with almost
any food, even those you've been able to eat without issues for
years, it's difficult to identify a certain cause. In some cases,
it can be caused by a lack of gut enzymes and, in other cases,
it's the result of chemicals breaking down during digestion.
People with eczema, asthma and allergies are more likely to
experience food intolerance. ■

FAL L 2 0 1 8

3 What are the symptoms of food intolerance?

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Vim & Vigor - Fall 2018