4 Myths about IBS:

The month of April is Irritable Bowel Syndrome month, and what better time than to look through some myths about IBS. 

Even Though IBS is prevalent in all walks of life, it can be an isolating experience. This is further exemplified by the 

1. IBS is not that common:

• IBS is a very common condition, in fact around 10%-15% of the United States adult population is thought to have IBS. Around the world it is expected that 5%-10% of the population has IBS. 

• Types of symptoms and the severity of them differs from person to person. Common symptoms are abdominal pain, cramping, bloating or swelling in the stomach, excessive flatulence, and change in bowel habits.  
• The Rome IV is the well- known diagnostic criteria for IBS. This classifies the type of IBS based on experience in symptoms and timespan, such was people who experience more constipation are IBS-C or those who experience more diarrhea are IBS-D. The point is to make known is that everyone's experience with IBS is different.

3. IBS doesn’t affect everyday life.. 

• An IBS flare-up can affect the ability to live your daily life. The FDA released a report on the Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders in 2016 which found that many people with gut disorders such as IBS see their day-to-day functions centering around management of their IBS. 
• A flare can cause life to be limiting, from working to eating or socializing. In those instances if you or someone you know is going through a bad flare-up, know that this is common and shouldn’t be embarrassing.

• Past studies have suggested that many factors can be linked in the development of IBS and the person’s symptoms, such as:

1. Stress
2. Intestinal inflammation
3. Food sensitivities 
4. How food waste moves through the gut