Reduce Your Risk of IBS with a Healthy Lifestyle

According to the American College of Gastroenterology, about 10% to 15% of adults in the U.S. are currently living with the discomfort and challenges of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

Characterized by belly pain, cramping, bloating, gas, constipation and/or diarrhea, IBS is a chronic gastrointestinal disorder that can disrupt daily routines, negatively impact quality of life, and leave sufferers feeling frustrated and isolated. IBS is nearly two times more common in women than men and often starts in the teen years or early adulthood. It’s uncommon for people aged 50 or older to develop the condition.

While it is clear IBS tends to run in families, the exact cause is not clear. Research suggests it may occur after a bacterial or a parasitic infection of the intestines, or triggered by stress or changes to the microbes (bacteria, fungi, viruses, and other organisms in the digestive system that normally support digestion and immune defense) in the gut. In many cases, a food allergy or intolerance can aggravate an individual’s condition but is not thought to cause it.  

Although the cause of IBS remains a mystery, new research suggests you can reduce your risk of developing it by up to 42%. The key to it all is, you guessed it, a healthy lifestyle.

The study, which focused on individuals without a previous IBS diagnosis, looked specifically at the impact of five healthy lifestyle behaviors over a 12.5-year period. The studied behaviors included:

• Getting regular, vigorous exercise

• Not smoking

• Sufficient sleep  

• Healthy diet

• Moderate alcohol intake

Of the studied factors, researchers found that getting seven to nine hours of sleep each night was the most influential in reducing the risk of IBS. Sleep was followed by regular exercise and never smoking, which led to 17% and 14% risk reductions respectively.

Researchers also observed that individuals who engage in just one of the five lifestyle habits dropped their risk of developing IBS by 21%. Engaging in two habits lowered risk by 36%, and individuals who adopted three healthy lifestyle practices, including not smoking, reduced their risk by a remarkable 42%.

While certainly not a cure for IBS, this study does point to the importance of healthy lifestyle habits in managing risks and supporting better overall health.

If you have concerns about recurring abdominal or GI issues, contact your doctor to determine next steps for diagnosing and treating your condition.

David Furman, MD, is a gastroenterologist at Southwestern Vermont Medical Center.