Irritable bowel, or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a diagnosis of exclusion. Or, if you prefer, it tells us what is going on, but not why. When someone suffers from a variety of gastrointestinal disorders, including gas, bloating, constipation or diarrhea, or both alternating, and tests are unable to detect the cause, they are generally told they have irritable bowel. In some cases the irritable bowel is associated with stress, in other cases the physician admits not knowing the cause. Though irritable bowel can be caused by a variety of factors, research highlights several factors that are generally overlooked by physicians when patients complain of IBS.

A disruption of the microbiota or intestinal flora. Indeed, the accrued use of antibiotics, consumption of chlorinated water and various chemical additives as well as stress can destroy the good bacteria present in our intestinal tract. The net result can be symptoms associated with irritable bowel.

Delayed food sensitivities or type III food allergies can cause symptoms associated with irritable bowel such as gas, bloating, diarrhea and gastrointestinal pain.

Certain nutritional deficiencies are also associated with IBS type symptoms. These include magnesium, vitamin B3, essential fatty acid and protein deficiencies.

Problems with the production of the neurotransmitter serotonin may also lead to irritable bowel symptoms, especially if they are also associated with depression or insomnia. Precursors of serotonin, such as 5-HTP, have been found to be helpful in many of these cases.

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