IBS Isn’t One Disease: Understanding IBS-C, IBS-D, IBS-M, the Trauma-Gut Connection, and Circadian Disruption
- Dr. Aastha Visen
- May 7
- 4 min read
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a common digestive disorder that affects millions of people worldwide, but it is often misunderstood. Many people think of IBS as a single disease, but in reality, it is a group of disorders with different causes and symptoms. IBS can show up in different forms, such as IBS-C (Constipation-predominant), IBS-D (Diarrhea-predominant), or IBS-M (Mixed). There’s also growing evidence that emotional trauma and disruptions in our natural body rhythms (called circadian rhythms) can play a big role in IBS symptoms.
In this blog, we’ll explore the different types of IBS, the connection between trauma and gut health, and how your body's internal clock affects digestion. Understanding these factors can help you find better ways to manage IBS.
The Different Types of IBS: IBS-C, IBS-D, and IBS-M
IBS is not a one-size-fits-all condition. There are three main types of IBS, each with its own set of symptoms.
IBS-C: Constipation-Predominant IBS
For people with IBS-C, constipation is the main problem. This means fewer bowel movements, hard stools, and often feeling bloated or uncomfortable. If you have IBS-C, you may struggle to go to the bathroom regularly, which can be very frustrating. A low FODMAP diet is often recommended to help people with IBS-C find relief by cutting out foods that can worsen constipation.
IBS-D: Diarrhea-Predominant IBS
If you have IBS-D, diarrhea is your main symptom. This means frequent, urgent trips to the bathroom with loose or watery stools. People with IBS-D often feel anxiety or fear because they can’t control when they need to go to the bathroom. There’s evidence to suggest that people with IBS-D often have an imbalance in their gut bacteria, so taking the right probiotic supplements could help manage symptoms.
IBS-M: Mixed IBS
IBS-M is a mix of IBS-C and IBS-D. This means you alternate between constipation and diarrhea, making it unpredictable and harder to manage. For those with IBS-M, tracking symptoms with an IBS symptom tracker can help identify patterns and reduce flare-ups.
Each subtype of IBS has different symptoms, and it’s important to get the right treatment for your specific type.
The Trauma-Gut Connection: How Emotional Stress Affects IBS
You may have heard the saying, "stress affects your stomach," and it’s true. Your brain and gut are closely connected, and emotional stress or trauma can directly impact your digestive system. When your mind is under stress, it can trigger IBS symptoms, including bloating, constipation, and diarrhea.
Emotional trauma, such as past abuse or ongoing stress, can change how the gut functions. It can affect things like how your stomach moves food along or how sensitive you are to digestive discomfort. People who have experienced emotional trauma are more likely to have IBS.
To address this, it’s important to focus on mental health as part of IBS treatment. Mindfulness practices, like meditation or yoga, can help reduce stress and improve gut health. Therapy, especially cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), can also help by changing negative thought patterns that might be making your symptoms worse.
Circadian Rhythm Disruption and IBS
Your body has an internal clock that controls when you sleep, eat, and do other activities. This is called your circadian rhythm, and it plays a big role in how well your digestive system works. When your circadian rhythm is off due to things like irregular sleep, shift work, or late-night eating, it can make IBS symptoms worse.
Research shows that your gut is highly sensitive to this internal clock, and when it’s disrupted, it can mess with digestion. For example, eating late at night or having an inconsistent sleep schedule can trigger bloating, constipation, or diarrhea.
Improving your sleep hygiene, like going to bed at the same time every night and avoiding food before bed, can help your body reset its clock. Regular sunlight exposure during the day can also help regulate your circadian rhythm.
A Holistic Approach to Managing IBS
Since IBS affects both the body and the mind, it requires a holistic approach to treatment. Here are some practical strategies to manage your IBS symptoms:
Dietary Changes for IBS: A low FODMAP diet is a popular method for managing IBS. This diet involves cutting out certain foods that can cause gas, bloating, and other digestive issues. It can help reduce symptoms and improve gut health.
Stress-Reduction Techniques: Mind-body practices like mindfulness meditation, yoga, and deep breathing exercises can reduce stress and improve digestion. These practices also help improve the connection between your brain and gut.
Improving Sleep for Gut Health: Regular sleep is crucial for digestive health. Aim to go to bed at the same time each night and avoid late-night meals. This can help restore your circadian rhythm and improve gut function.
Gut Health Supplements: Supplements like prebiotics and probiotics can help restore the balance of good bacteria in your gut, which is important for digestion. Talk to your healthcare provider about the best ones for your type of IBS.
Therapy for Emotional Stress: If you’re dealing with emotional trauma, seeking therapy can help. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a form of therapy that has been shown to help people with IBS by teaching them how to manage stress and anxiety.
IBS is not a single disease; it’s a complex condition that can affect people in different ways. Whether you have IBS-C, IBS-D, or IBS-M, understanding how stress, emotional trauma, and circadian rhythm disruptions affect your digestive system is key to managing your symptoms. By taking a holistic approach that includes dietary changes, stress management, and improving sleep, you can reduce IBS symptoms and improve your quality of life.
If you’re looking for more resources to help manage IBS, check out these helpful links:
What’s your experience with IBS? Have you noticed connections between stress, sleep, and your gut health? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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