Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a functional disorder of the digestive tract characterized by abdominal pain and changes in bowel habits (diarrhea, constipation, or alternating between both), without visible organic disease upon examination. IBS is very common and can be a long-term issue, but unlike inflammatory bowel diseases (Crohn's, colitis), it does not cause tissue damage or serious complications, and therefore is not considered a life-threatening disease. However, IBS can be extremely uncomfortable and disrupt daily life, thus it is classified as a chronic condition requiring support.
IBS Symptoms:
- Abdominal pain or cramps, usually in the lower abdomen, which decrease after bowel movements.
- Bloating and gas: feeling bloated, excessive gas release.
- Changes in stool: diarrhea (often in the morning or after meals), constipation, or alternating periods of diarrhea and constipation. The stool may be mucous.
- Urgency or feeling of incomplete evacuation: an urgent need to go to the toilet or feeling that the stool has not completely passed.
- Symptoms usually worsen under stress or after certain types of food, and calm down during rest (e.g., on vacation).
The cause of IBS is not entirely clear. It is believed to be a combination of hypersensitivity of the intestinal muscles and nerves (increased visceral sensitivity), psychological factors (anxiety, stress), and altered gut flora composition. Unlike ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, IBS does not have visible inflammation or ulceration in the intestines. However, recent studies suggest that some IBS patients may have a very mild level of chronic inflammation or immune activation in the intestines – for example, after a past intestinal infection, some develop so-called post-infectious IBS with a slight increase in lymphocytes in the mucosa.
Generally, IBS is more associated with imbalance of intestinal nerve and muscle activity (gut-brain axis) than with an immune attack. Oxidative stress can occur secondarily, due to constant stress or poor diet, but it is not the main trigger of IBS. Immune imbalance in IBS is subtle – perhaps as a result of disrupted microbiota, since healthy bacteria keep the gut's immune response in check.
Natural support for the body
Treatment of IBS mainly focuses on diet and lifestyle (stress reduction). Here, spelt can be of significant benefit for regulating bowel function. Firstly, spelt contains dietary fiber which is essential for good digestion. Interestingly, spelt fibers are easily soluble in water, meaning they form a gel in the intestines and have a beneficial effect in both cases – in diarrhea (absorbing excess fluid and slowing stool passage) and in constipation (increasing stool volume and softening it). These soluble fibers (beta-glucans, etc.) cause less bloating than insoluble fibers, so spelt is often well-tolerated even by those who have bloating issues.
Spelt helps in establishing a healthy gut flora. Its fibers are food for good bacteria in the colon – by breaking down spelt fiber, bacteria produce beneficial short-chain fatty acids like butyrate, which calms inflammation (if present) and improves the integrity of the intestinal mucosa. A balanced microbiota reduces intestinal hypersensitivity and can alleviate IBS symptoms.
It contains magnesium and B vitamins that help relax intestinal muscles and regulate nerve signals. Many anti-stress minerals and vitamins are important because stress worsens IBS – magnesium relaxes the smooth muscles of the intestines, and vitamin B6 is involved in the synthesis of neurotransmitters that regulate intestinal peristalsis. Although IBS is not a classic inflammatory disease, any improvement in the general condition of the intestines is beneficial – here, spelt's antioxidants (selenium, vitamin E) keep intestinal tissue healthy and protect it from damage due to potentially increased gas production or toxic metabolites of bad bacteria.
Finally, spelt contributes to psychological well-being through the gut-brain axis: when digestion is more orderly and the body is better nourished, anxiety and stress often decrease, creating a positive feedback loop in controlling IBS. All this indicates that spelt can be of great help for irritable bowel syndrome. Of course, along with spelt, moderate intake of fermented dairy products (probiotics), sufficient water, and stress management techniques are often recommended to truly bring the intestines into balance.