Irritable Bowel Syndrome, which is also commonly known as IBS, is a chronic gastrointestinal disorder that affects many people worldwide. Many times, IBS is misunderstood or misdiagnosed due to its complex and variable nature. In this blog, we will deep dive into understanding IBS with symptoms, causes, and effective ways to manage the condition.

What Is IBS?

IBS is a gastrointestinal disorder that involves problems with gut function. The common symptoms experienced are abdominal pain, changes in bowel movements, and in a few cases, diarrhea or constipation.

IBS is categorized into three main types based on the predominant bowel habit:

IBS-C (constipation predominant)

IBS-D (diarrhea predominant)

IBS-M (mixed, where both constipation and diarrhea alternate)

IBS does not lead to more serious conditions like cancer or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), but it can significantly impact a person’s quality of life.

Causes and Triggers

The exact cause of IBS is unknown, but several factors appear to play a role in its development:

1. Abnormal Gut Motility

People with IBS mostly have irregular intestinal muscle contractions, which can cause food to move too quickly or too slowly.

2. Gut-Brain Axis Dysfunction

The gut and brain communicate with a complex network. Disturbance in the communications can lead to heightened pain sensitivity or irregular bowel function.

3. Infections

In some cases, gastroenteritis or food poisoning can trigger IBS in some individuals.

4. Microbiome Imbalance

Our gut is home to trillions of bacteria, and in many cases, the imbalance can occur in these microbes, which may contribute to IBS symptoms.

5. Stress and Mental Health

Factors like stress, anxiety, and depression also contribute to IBS; emotional distress also influences gut health and triggers symptoms.

6. Food Intolerances

Certain foods, such as short-chain carbohydrates that are poorly absorbed in the small intestine, can be the trigger for IBS symptoms.

Common Symptoms of IBS

Symptoms of IBS can vary widely between individuals but often include:

• Abdominal pain or cramping, often relieved by a bowel movement

• Bloating and excessive gas

• Diarrhea, constipation, or an alternation between the two

• A sensation of incomplete evacuation after a bowel movement

• Mucus in the stool

These symptoms often come and go and can range from mild to severe. For many, IBS is a lifelong condition requiring long-term management.

Managing IBS

While there is no cure for IBS, a combination of dietary, lifestyle, and sometimes medical interventions can help manage symptoms effectively.

1. Dietary Changes

Sometimes, IBS symptoms can be triggered by a few food items, such as a diet that is not easily digested in the intestine. So it's important to maintain a diet that is easy on the gut, such as soluble fibre, which can help with constipation-predominant IBS.

2. Stress Management

Because stress significantly impacts IBS, techniques such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), mindfulness meditation, Yoga, or regular physical exercise can help reduce symptom severity.

3. Psychological Therapies

Many people with IBS benefit from therapy that addresses the gut-brain connection, where it can be useful for patients whose symptoms are closely tied to emotional or psychological distress.

Progufre by Fredun Nutrition: Gut Health Redefined for IBS Relief

Irritable Bowel Syndrome can be very challenging, and symptoms include bloating, abdominal pain, and irregular bowel movements. Making changes in lifestyle and diet is important to improve the condition, but these natural supplements can also offer additional support.

Fredun Nutrition introduces Progufre, a product-formulated probiotic supplement crafted to support IBS and other gut-related conditions. It uses targeted probiotics, beneficial bacteria, and essential minerals to restore gut integrity and digestive discomfort.

The Power of Probiotics

Probiotics are living microorganisms that, when consumed in adequate amounts, provide significant health benefits, especially in improving gut health. These are known to:

• Prevent bowel diseases

• Improve the immune system

• Maintain intestinal microbial balance

Saccharomyces Boulardii: A Proven Gut Ally

A key ingredient in Progufre, Saccharomyces Boulardii, is a unique probiotic yeast known for its extensive health benefits, especially in gut repair and protection:

• Restores the intestinal barrier function and exhibits anti-inflammatory action.¹

• Supports the regeneration of the intestinal microbiota after diarrhoeic dysbiosis.¹

• Used in the treatment of Helicobacter pylori infections, diarrhoea, inflammatory bowel diseases, irritable bowel syndrome, candidiasis, and small intestine bacterial overgrowth.¹

Lactic Acid Bacillus: Your Gut’s Friendly Companion

Another standout in Progufre formulation is Lactic Acid Bacillus, a gram-positive bacterium with multiple gut-enhancing properties:

• Gram-positive bacteria that ferment carbohydrates to produce lactic acid.²

• Helps to decompose macromolecular substances in food, including the degradation of indigestible polysaccharides ²

• They are members of the normal microbial ecosystem in the intestinal tract and play a key role in maintaining the stability and diversity of the gut microbiome.³

Zinc: The Unsung Hero of Gut Repair

More than just a mineral, zinc plays a crucial role in digestive health, particularly in the context of IBS:

• Plays a critical role in modulating resistance to infectious agents and reduces the duration and risk of diarrheal disease via improved regeneration of intestinal epithelium.⁴

• Helps to protect against gastric mucosa and ulcerative gastritis.⁵

Why Choose Progufre for IBS?

Progufre by Fredun Nutrition are designed to restore healthy gut flora, rebuild the intestinal barrier, help to reduce inflammation and discomfort, and support digestive efficiency and nutrient absorption.

With its synergistic blend, Progufre offers a holistic solution for those who are looking for natural, effective relief from IBS symptoms.

Progufre stands as a reliable ally in the fight against IBS and digestive distress.

References

1. Ref- Curr Microbiol. 2020; 77(9): 1987–1996. PMCID: PMC7415030

2. Ref- Front Bioeng Biotechnol. 2021; 9: 612285. PMCID: PMC8149962

3. Ref- Microb Ecol Health Dis. 2016; 27: 10.3402/mehd.v27.31557.PMCID: PMC4884264

4. Ref- Cureus. 2020 May; 12(5): e8197. PMCID: PMC7302722

5. Ref- Biofactors. 2022 Mar-Apr; 48(2): 294–306. PMCID: PMC9082519