Bloating, discomfort, heaviness, bad mood and belly from tight clothes are a very common problem among the residents of the metropolis. Not only because it is difficult to follow a proper diet and avoid sweets, but also because a large amount of stress can lead to weight gain. How stress and mental health affect the stomach to some extent. But what is the most effective way to combat it?
Publika.az Alla Kuznechova, the head of the treatment center that combines the Mayer system, Ayurveda and hydrotherapy, spoke about it.
What is QBS?
Irritable bowel symptoms:
pain, discomfort, or swelling;
changes in the consistency of stool, a sharp need to go to the toilet;
nausea, a feeling of sticking in the throat when swallowing food;
rarely – muscle spasm and joint pain, headaches, anxiety, depression.
Reasons
The main reason is stress, that is, various social and psychological factors. In addition, everything related to improper nutrition: poor nutrition, use of foods that produce a lot of gas, fatty foods, excess caffeine, alcohol abuse, lack of dietary fiber in the diet, overeating aggravates the problem. If certain conditions arise in the intestinal lumen, as a result, the multiplication of bacteria also leads to the development of intestinal syndrome.
How to diagnose?
Certain studies – X-ray examination of the intestine, contrast enema, anorectal manometry. According to Roman’s European diagnostic classification, the syndrome occurs with a certain frequency: pain and discomfort decrease after defecation, the onset of pain and discomfort coincides with a change in the shape of the stool. Moreover, anxiety refers to any unpleasant sensations except pain.
How does it affect weight?
There is no clear correlation between irritable bowel syndrome and weight changes. However, if a person tries to reduce the manifestations of the syndrome with a restrictive diet, exclude alcohol, caffeine, chocolate and fatty foods from the diet, this will also directly affect weight loss.
What are the main foods that trigger the problem?
FODMAPs (Fermentable), Oligo-, Di-, Monosaccharides and Polyols. Oligo-, Di-, monosaccharides, and fermentable polyols are short-chain carbohydrates that are poorly digestible and often cause irritable bowel symptoms. These include wheat, barley, rye, onions and the white part of green onions, garlic, leeks, shallots, artichokes, beets, fennel, peas, lentils, chickpeas, beans, pistachios, asparagus, milk, cream, ice cream and yogurt. Examples of fruits include apples, pears, mangoes, cherries, melons, as well as honey, high fructose corn syrup, apricots, cherries, nectarines, peaches, plums, watermelons, mushrooms, cauliflower, chewing gum, and confectionery.
How can nutrition help us feel better?
You can correct the situation with a ration limiting all the listed products. In Mayer’s therapeutic diet, alcohol, caffeine, and fatty foods are completely excluded. A small amount of vegetable oil is allowed. Foods containing FODMAP carbohydrates are also either excluded or offered with severe restrictions.
Is this syndrome related to mental health?
People with irritable bowel syndrome are more likely to suffer from anxiety or depression. Many doctors still classify such patients as hypochondriacs or malingerers, contrary to all available scientific information, because no damage to the intestine is detected during the examination. Among the possible reasons for the development of such a condition can be long-lasting micro-inflammations, disruption of microflora and hidden food intolerances. A “feeling bad” gut indirectly affects the state of the brain, and a healthy, well-functioning gut contributes to an extremely good mood.
How to treat?
First, with diet and proper food regimen. First of all, Mayer’s therapeutic diet, specially created and used for all diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, is offered. Secondly, psychotherapy sessions should be carried out to achieve an anti-stress effect, to revise the attitude to stress factors and to increase resistance to pain. Thirdly, in order to correctly understand the essence of the manifestations of the syndrome, to correctly understand the dietary requirements and restrictions, the patient should have a close interaction with his doctor. In some cases, the doctor prescribes drugs based on the individual characteristics of the patient.
