What Causes Irritable Bowel Syndrome?

Learn Which Risk Factors You Can Control

-- By Liza Barnes & Nicole Nichols, Health Educators

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Cramping, abdominal pain, bloating, constipation, and diarrhea are some of the common and uncomfortable symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Unfortunately, no one has yet discovered a specific cause for IBS, but there are many factors that are correlated with it. There are two main categories of risk factors that can contribute to IBS—those that you can't change, and those that you can.

Uncontrollable Risk Factors
These variables are out of your control. Although you can't do anything to change them, it's important to know what has been associated with the development of IBS symptoms.

Your gender. Women are at least twice as likely to experience IBS as men. Due to fluctuating levels of hormones, women are more likely to experience IBS symptoms during or around the time of their menstrual periods.
Your family history. You are more likely to experience IBS if people in your family have/had the disorder.
Your age. Younger to middle-aged adults are most likely to experience IBS. In fact, half of all people with IBS will first develop symptoms before they are 35 years old, with 90% of IBS sufferers developing symptoms before age 50.
Your health history. Some experts believe that IBS may be caused by a bacterial infection in the gastrointestinal tract. But other health conditions that can cause IBS symptoms include: celiac disease (intolerance of gluten from grains), chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia (widespread bodily pain), and temporomandibular disorder (jaw pain and discomfort).
Your psychological health. Psychological conditions, such as panic disorder, depression and anxiety have been associated with IBS and gastrointestinal distress. If you are experiencing either of these conditions, consult with a therapist or doctor.
Your sensitivity level. Some people’s bowels are just more sensitive. Although you can’t change the sensitivity level of your large intestine, you can learn what commonly triggers your IBS symptoms, and try to avoid these triggers (see Controllable Risk Factors below).
Your immune and nervous systems. These systems regulate the functioning of the colon and the speed at which its contents move. Abnormal movement can lead to either extremely loose stools or constipation.
Your serotonin levels. Ninety-five percent of the body’s serotonin (a neurotransmitter that sends chemical messages in the body) is located in the gastrointestinal tract. If levels of this important neurotransmitter are off balance, bowels problems and IBS symptoms can result.
Psychosocial factors. IBS is more common in people who have a history of psychological trauma and abuse (physical, sexual, or emotional).

Controllable Risk Factors
Controllable risk factors are behaviors and factors that you can modify to lower your risk of suffering from IBS. There are many factors that have been associated with an increase of IBS symptoms that can be controlled or modified.

Your weight. Research shows that people with higher BMI's are more likely to experience gastrointestinal pain. Eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly can help you lose weight and reduce IBS symptoms.
Your diet. For some people, certain foods can cause IBS symptoms to flare up. Alcohol, barley, caffeine, chocolate, coffee, milk products, rye, soda, tea, and/or wheat are common triggers. Experiment with a rotating elimination of each of these foods for a week, and see if your symptoms improve. Foods that cause gas can also be problematic, resulting in bloating and discomfort—especially if you try to hold it in. Avoid gas-producing foods, or talk to your doctor about gas-relieving medications. Learn more about how your diet affects digestive distress.
Your eating habits. Eating large meals can contribute to IBS symptoms, while eating smaller, more frequent meals can help reduce discomfort. Get more tips for eating with IBS.
Your medications. Several types of medications can cause IBS symptoms. If you think your medication may be contributing to your symptoms, talk to your doctor about finding an alternative medication for your condition that doesn't have this negative side effect.
Your stress levels. Uncontrolled, chronic stress can cause colon spasms in people with IBS. Although it's impossible to control all the stressors in your life, take time to relax and relieve stress through exercise, meditation, yoga or other techniques.

Although IBS causes much physical pain and emotional stress, the good news is that it does not cause permanent damage to the body. Rather than let this condition control your life, consult with your doctor about how other lifestyle modifications or medications can help prevent and control your symptoms.

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About The Author

Nicole Nichols
Nicole was named "America's Top Personal Trainer to Watch" in 2011. A certified personal trainer and fitness instructor with a bachelor's degree in health promotion and education, she loves living a healthy and fit lifestyle and helping others do the same. Her DVDs "Total Body Sculpting" and "28 Day Boot Camp" (a best seller) are available online and in stores nationwide. Read Nicole's full bio and blog posts.

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Member Comments

CAROLSYLVIA

I used to struggle with this now and then when I was younger. The main trigger for me was stress, although hormones could have played a role. i never made the connection between my monthly cycle and when flare ups occurred, but maybe I just missed it. Anyway, now at age 60, I rarely have any trouble - only if I eat more than a very small amount of fried foods. - 12/3/2012 11:53:54 PM
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BECK_BEAR

I have had IBS for 18 years and it went undiagnosed for 8 years because I had doctors who told me it was a "female problems" and something I "just have to deal with." I am very glad for my doctor (and my persistence) who refused to leave it at that. After many tests and a surgery I finally had an answer. I manage my IBS by modifying my diet (no carbonated drinks, no gum, and no red meat) I also have to limit my dairy, caffeine and chocolate intake. Exercise and lowering my stress has also helped. - 12/3/2012 4:21:48 PM
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SWAYDE

I get terrible pains very often. The worst is when it wakes me up in the middle of the night. - 12/3/2012 1:26:27 PM
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MIRRORBALLMOON

Hormones can be a factor too, though doctors seem to like to ignore that fact. I was on the progestin-only birth control pill and developed debilitating IBS. After modifying my diet, managing stress, cutting out dairy etc didn't work, I finally decided to quit taking the pill. My IBS went away within days and now only returns once a month IF I overdo it on dairy and fat at that time of month; if I'm very careful about avoiding dairy, fatty foods, and get lots of SOLUBLE fiber (insoluble fiber aggravates my IBS), I am almost symptom-free. - 12/3/2012 1:19:05 PM
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SONORANARIZONAN

Wheat causes it. Once I eliminated wheat, I no longer suffered IBS. Or inflammation, or cluster headaches. - 12/3/2012 9:12:13 AM
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MALUS2785

I currently suffer from IBS in an extreme effort to curb the intense lower abdomen pain I was told to take Fiber 3 Times daily. The fiber keeps me from using the restroom 4-5 times a day and keeps the lower abdomen pain at bay. I can definately tell when I have not taken my fiber. I get cramps and I begin to get clammy and sweat. It is a very uncomfortable condition that often complicated.

Thank You,

Malus2785 - 8/15/2012 7:29:55 PM
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82CLARA

I suffered from IBS for many years. After I began taking a mild dose of the antidepressant, celexa, which increased my serotonin levels in my GI tract, I no longer suffer from this condition. I do believe stress is the single biggest factor contributing to the flare-ups or, even, the cause of this disease. It just hasn't been "proven," yet. - 8/7/2011 12:40:50 PM
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HANNAH_CALM

I was diagnosed with IBS, but I no longer have this because I exercise. It tones the abdominal muscles, which are needed to promote normal peristalsis. I've also limited my intake of leavened foods, which don't stop their rising, even though they're cooked and they're inside my digestive track... Also, you can exercise too much, and have diarrhea. I took a bellydance course that was supposed to be for all levels, but the instructor focused on me all the time. She was correcting me all the time, and I had to drop the class because I had such terrible diarrhea that lasted at least three weeks! - 2/18/2011 2:51:41 PM
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MAJORMOM68

My mother and brother have been diagnosed with this and I was wondering if their food intake and what they were eating could contribute. Nice to know, in a way, that this could help. Problem is, they probably won't listen. They aren't exactly thrilled with my weight loss so I'll just come across as a "know it all." Still it was good to know - 6/26/2010 11:11:20 AM
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KRISTENTIN

I have had great success with a herbal mixture called Iberogast. I highly recommend that others look it up. - 4/3/2010 12:37:37 PM
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JENNIEJA

Thank goodness for imodium! - 3/20/2010 6:03:38 PM
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DOTSLADY

oops. If I could edit my previous comment, I'd correct this statistic: 95-97% of the celiac population have NOT been diagnosed.
- 2/24/2010 12:02:51 AM
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DOTSLADY

Many, MANY people with IBS may really have celiac disease. Gluten proteins in not just barley and wheat, but also rye and contaminated commercial oats (oats don't have gluten, but because they're farmed and stored near glutenous grains, they become contaminated) affect the villi in the small intestine. Blunted villi affect absorption of nutrients, and also delete the enzyme necessary to digest lactose (lactase enzyme is located on the TIP of the villi which are damaged first by gluten); lactose intolerance is often associated with IBS and celiac. Blunted villi also affects GI transit - constipation and/or diarrhea. Or not. Celiac is tricky that way. Talk to your doctor about a celiac PANEL blood test; but know that even if it's negative that a gluten-free diet might still help. One to 2% of the population has celiac, but 97% of the population is diagnosed. Thirty percent or more of the population have genetics/symptoms many of whom the gf diet is still helpful. Please consider reading more about it!

On another note, I found this article because I recently found that I have low serotonin. I know I've read about low serotonin's association with the gut because I read about it all the time - just didn't think it'd be ME (and I have a gut issue~!) Thanks for the info. - 1/13/2010 12:48:26 AM
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JOSHARE

I believe IBS could have something to do with taking antibiotics, which messes up the good flora or bacteria in your gut. Think about it, everytime we get an infection of sorts, we go to the doctors and get antibiotics. For me, Probiotics as well as hydrochloric acid(good acid, not lactic acid which is from rotting food in your gut) and Digest have helped my gut breakdown all kinds of proteins and fight the bad bacteria there.
- 12/6/2009 5:20:55 PM
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JOSHARE

I believe IBS could have something to do with taking antibiotics, which messes up the good flora or bacteria in your gut. Think about it, everytime we get an infection of sorts, we go to the doctors and get antibiotics. For me, Probiotics as well as hydrochloric acid(good acid, not lactic acid which is from rotting food in your gut) and Digest have helped my gut breakdown all kinds of proteins and fight the bad bacteria there.
- 12/6/2009 5:20:44 PM
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