IBS news flash. See the mechanisms behind IBS and functional constipation pain.
This picture is worth a thousand words....
A fascinating new research abstract just came out on decoding abdominal pain in constipation-predominant Irritable Bowel Syndrome and functional constipation.
It’s focused on the mechanisms underlying the pain.
This is one of the best pictures I’ve ever seen that visually sums up the many different factors in play.
(If you can’t see the picture I’ve summed it up in plain English below.)
To put the image plainly into words:
There are many pathways with multiple factors that add to abdominal pain in chronic constipation.
Genetics
Stress
Diet
Sex differences and hormones make things worse for women
Nervous system alterations outside the gut affect pain
Serotonin metabolism in the gut affects pain threshold and bowel motility
Gut bacteria imbalances add to bowel sensitivity and motility
Restricted bowel movements, pain, and bloating/distention affect each other via accumulated feces and gas. This causes a cycle of gut discomfort.
All of the pathways listed above are interconnected
Whew!
And more about IBS constipation…
You are not alone.
P.S. If you have any questions or comments I'd love to hear them - just reply to this email to reach me directly. I am overwhelmed with emails but I try to answer everyone. If you need immediate help please join my private IBS coaching.
XOXO
Heather
Heather Van Vorous
Over 40 years dealing with IBS
Get full help for IBS here