THE TUMMY TROUBLES YOU SHOULDN’T IGNORE THIS CHRISTMAS

Michelle GeraghtyCorns is a gut expert and founder of eternalbeing.co.uk It’s important not to ignore problems with your gut if they continue because there are plenty of effective treatments, but also your symptoms could be a sign of something other than irritable bowel syndrome. Get checked by a doctor if you are experiencing excess gas, constipation, bloating, loose stools or abdominal pain.

The most common IBS symptom is abdominal pain, which is caused by the cooperative signals in your gut becoming distorted. This distortion causes uncoordinated and painful tension in the muscles of the digestive tract, with pain targeted usually in the lower abdomen or entire abdomen.

See a gut-health specialist if you’re experiencing pain. They can test for any potential food intolerances and conduct lab gut biome testing to understand and

‘The most common IBS symptom is abdominal pain’

rule out anything more serious.

Diarrhoea is another common IBS symptom, and can be treated with over-the-counter medications such as loperamide or bile acid binders. There can be many different causes, including gastroenteritis, so it’s important to monitor your symptoms. Gastroenteritis can be caused by a virus, bacteria or by parasites, and usually clears up by itself within a week.

Other IBS symptoms you should get checked if they persist include constipation and abdominal discomfort or bloating. If your stools are hard and difficult to pass, and you’re passing them less than three times a week, or if you have the feeling of incomplete bowel movements, see your GP. Consult them too if you’re getting both diarrhoea and constipation on the same day.