Irritable bowel syndrome is a common term for a number of symptoms that cause discomfort and pain in the gastrointestinal tract. Common to the symptoms is that the cause is unknown and diseases of a more serious nature have already been ruled out. Approximately half of all Danes will experience a period of irritable bowel syndrome during their lifetime and ten percent of all inquiries to the doctor are due to irritable bowel syndrome. However, there are many more with similar symptoms who choose not to go to the doctor with their condition. Thus, this condition is the most common gastrointestinal disorder.
SYMPTOMS
Several symptoms are seen, which can range from diarrhea to constipation. Often the bowel will not be emptied optimally during a toilet visit, and many people experience having to run to the toilet several times. In addition, bloating, abdominal pain, nausea, loss of appetite, headache and fatigue also appear in the symptom picture. Pain can also be experienced elsewhere in the body such as. joint pain. Many live with fatigue and reduced quality of life.
TREATMENT IN THE PUBLIC HEALTH SYSTEM
There is no specific treatment for the condition. The patient is encouraged to consider whether there are things in the diet that trigger the genes (gluten, lactose, FODMAPs and more). There is a wide range of medications to relieve the various symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, with these being rarely prescribed as they have limited effect.
CAUSE
Many studies have been done to uncover the causes of irritable bowel syndrome. Food intolerance, heredity, stress, infections and gastrointestinal problems as a child seem to play a role. The condition may be provoked by bacterial infection, food poisoning or the use of antibiotics.
NORDIC CLINICS TREATMENT
It is recognized that diet may play a role in the development of irritable bowel syndrome as well as its treatment. Treatment at Nordic Clinic will uncover possible causes and provide a dietary guide that not only focuses on the current problem, but which will also provide tools to strengthen health.
A food intolerance analysis can be used that shows which foods are reacted to. We also use stool analyzes to identify imbalances in digestion. The imbalances can be, for example, a lack of lactic acid bacteria, digestive enzymes and stomach acid. Likewise, laboratory analyzes can show whether there is increased intestinal permeability, inflammation, lactose intolerance, sucrose intolerance and increased permeability in the lining of the stomach. In addition, bacterial overgrowth (dysbiosis / SIBO) and reactions to gluten, which can contribute to disturbing digestion, are assessed.
Nordic Clinic also offers guidance in low FODMAP diet. Low FODMAP diet means that certain types of carbohydrates are excluded from the diet, also called FODMAPs. Usually, all carbohydrates are not completely digested and absorbed in the gut. In particular, the FODMAP carbohydrates can be symptomatic or aggravating in relation to irritable bowel syndrome. A low FODMAP diet is therefore suitable for people with irritable bowel syndrome and similar symptoms.
