Khushi Kapoor Battles Irritable Bowel Syndrome: What Is This Stomach Disorder?

Times Now

Actress Khushi Kapoor battles irritable bowel syndrome – a condition that causes uncomfortable and painful abdominal symptoms. The 25-year-old has been vocal about her food preferences, saying she avoids

eating dairy, which hurts her tummy. In a clip shared on Instagram, Khushi, when asked what the most loyal thing for her is, replied, “irritable bowel syndrome.” Dairy is a rich source of calcium, protein, and essential vitamins like B12, but according to experts, its overindulgence poses risks.

What is IBS?

IBS is a group of symptoms that affect your digestive system. It is a common but uncomfortable gastrointestinal disease or condition that affects your intestines. Those with this IBS experience symptoms that include abdominal pain and cramps. With IBS, you may also have frequent diarrhoea, constipation, or both. According to experts, IBS does not cause tissue damage in your gastrointestinal tract or increase your risk of more serious conditions, like colon cancer, but it is a long-term condition that most people can manage by changing their routines and what they eat.

What causes IBS?

Doctors say they do not know what exactly causes IBS, but it is classified as a neurogastrointestinal disorder – also known as the disorder of the gut-brain interaction – leading to issues with how your gut and brain coordinate to help your digestive system work. Communication challenges between your brain and gut can cause:

Dysmotility

It can cause your GI muscles to contract and move food through your GI tract. The colon muscle also contracts more in people with IBS, causing cramps.

Visceral hypersensitivity

You may have extra-sensitive nerves in your GI tract

Gut bacteria

Studies say those with IBS have altered bacteria in their GI tract, which leads to most symptoms.

Severe infections

Some of those who get diagnosed with IBS after a severe infection affecting their GI tract, suggesting germs may play a role.

Food intolerance

Sensitivities and allergies to certain foods contribute to IBS.

Childhood stress

IBS is more common in people who have experienced severe stressors in childhood, including physical, sexual, and emotional abuse. Certain foods and conditions also trigger IBS symptoms, which can worsen a flare-up, including:

Periods

You may notice symptoms worsen predictably according to the menstrual cycle in women

Foods

Food triggers vary from person to person, like consuming dairy, gluten, and gassy foods.

Stress

Experts say IBS is your gut’s response to stress, and that is why it is also known as nervous stomach or anxious stomach.

Signs and symptoms of IBS

IBS will show signs and symptoms that appear frequently or may become worse during a flare-up. In other words, you do not always experience symptoms, but they go away, only to return at other times. Signs and symptoms of IBS include: