IBS and the FMS (Fibromyalgia Syndrome) Connection

Why does a large portion of people suffering from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) complain of disorders which can be called as extra intestinal symptoms such as rashes, headaches, and muscular pains? Findings from research have established that around 60% of IBS patients also have Fibromyalgia Syndrome (FMS). Conversely, around 70% of FMS patients also have complained of IBS symptoms. Is their a relationship between these two conditions and what is the connection between both of these? There have been a number of studies in various parts of the world to establish this connection.

Fibromyalgia is a functional disorder which affects the musculoskeletal system, which is related to such complaints as general muscular aches, stiffness, fatigue, and poor sleeping habits, with varied conditions of severity and duration; the pain may be dull or stabbing like, intermitted or constantly lingering. This is recognized as a functional disorder similar to IBS. An estimated 3.35% females and 5% males suffer from FMS.

Now to find out whether there is a connection between these two conditions of IBS-FMS, especially in the wake of co-existence of IBS and FM in a number of people. Going by statistics we should say that there is possibilities of both have a connection. The similarities between these two conditions, beyond the fact that IBS confines to the gastrointestinal tract while FMS to the musculoskeletal system, have to be considered. Both of them are not organic diseases; since they are construed as functional disorders. In both the cases it is the women who suffer from these conditions very often, and when it sets in it is considered a very stressful period. Both the conditions are prescribed with Cognitive behavior therapy and certain types of prescription drugs.

Both type of patients, as per studies; respond to pain in a very different manner, than other persons without these conditions. IBS sufferers seem to have a different response to the intestinal pain, while FMS condition throws up another type of response to skin and muscle pain. Studies have also in expected manner shown that people having both these symptoms have a different kind of response to both kinds of pain.

Though the studies point out to a common mechanism for both the conditions, their origins are still shrouded in mystery. In fact medical fraternity has very recently recognized both IBS and FMS as functional disorders with some legitimacy and not as psychosomatic problems. Since studies on these conditions are still in their primary phase, and studied connecting both have been sparse researchers will hopefully take renewed interest in establishing the connection between IBS and FMS.

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IBS Diarrheal Diet

When you are suffering from chronic Diarrhea disorder, what you eat and how to eat becomes a major consideration in controlling the disorder. While there is nothing classified as a Diarrheal diet, the following eating strategy consisting of four easy ways you will make sure that your diet is not aiding it further.

1.     Aim for small meals

Patients suffering from IBS are taught to easily identify trigger foods, which usually cause the irritation. While certain food items certainly don’t go well with the GI tract, causing greater irritation, at times the size of the meal also aggravates the situation and a large meal might immediately bring about a violent response. Larger sized meals usually result in escalation of contractions in the intestines, necessitating urgent visits to the restroom, which is a symptom of Diarrhea. The first rule of a Diarrheal diet is to restrict the size of your meals.
2. Opt for low fat meals

The second rule of Diarrheal diet is to avoid high content of fat in the meals. High fat also might cause intensive intestinal contractions, and it is best advised to keep away from fried, oily and creamy-layered food. Higher fat content is certainly present in fried foods and oily food items. Dairy products like cheese contain a high fat content, and it is best advised that you keep off from such high fat content items, so that your system works in a more rhythmic order and your condition gets mitigated through such a low fat content meals.
3. Smaller meals throughout the day

Another important aspect of Diarrheal diet is to ensure you take smaller portions of food throughout the day. Many patients suffering from Diarrhea-predominant IBS try to be on empty stomach to avoid unnecessary visits to restrooms. Instead, you should eat smaller meals throughout the day, giving a chance to your digesting system to get back a rhythm in its functioning, and also ensure that you are not hungry and as such you don’t go for larger meals at the end of the day. Hence the third cardinal principle of Diarrheal diet is to – smaller size meals throughout the day.
4. Quieter times are testing times!

You should also ponder over the reasons for Diarrhea. Should you blame only the foods for this condition? Remember, Diarrhea can be caused even due to stressed conditions or changes in your hormones. Identify these trouble mongers, before opting for stronger medical starvations. Remember if you restrict food you are likely to suffer from deficiency in nutrition. When your system is quiet, you should test foods which you suspect of giving you Diarrhea, to determine whether they are the trouble mongers.

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