World Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Day: IBS affects millions globally and is often marked by stomach pain, bloating, and a change in bowel habits like diarrhoea or constipation. While the exact cause remains elusive, experts agree it involves a complex interplay of gut sensitivity, altered microbiota, and environmental factors. On World IBS Day, specialists are shining a spotlight on lesser-known but impactful triggers—namely ultra-processed foods and seasonal changes, especially the summer heat.

IBS is not merely a functional gut disorder; it has biological underpinnings, one of which is a significantly altered gut microbiome. According to Dr Srikanth K P, Consultant in Paediatric Gastroenterology and Hepatology at Manipal Hospital, the intestinal mucosa in IBS patients becomes unusually sensitive to various stimuli. “One of the key features of IBS is a changed intestinal microbiome, and ultra-processed foods can aggravate this further,” he explains.

Dr Srikanth points out that ultra-processed foods—classified as NOVA Category 4—often contain refined wheat flour (maida) and industrial preservatives. These ingredients are not naturally present in whole foods and can trigger irritation in the sensitive gut lining of IBS sufferers.

“Such foods worsen symptoms by contributing to an even more harmful bacterial environment in the gut,” he says. He also says that refined wheat flour is rich in FODMAPs—fermentable carbohydrates that aren’t well absorbed in the intestine, thus leading to increased mucosal irritation and digestive distress. Dr Srikanth recommends that individuals with IBS steer clear of ultra-processed meals as a core part of symptom management.

But diet isn't the only external factor at play—seasonal variations can also significantly impact IBS symptoms. Dr Anurag Shetty, medical gastroenterologist at KMC Hospital, Mangalore, explains that summer, in particular, can stir up a range of IBS triggers.

“We tend to lose a lot of fluids in the summer due to sweating, and this dehydration can make constipation worse,” he says. Physical inactivity, often more common during hot months, can also slow intestinal motility, leading to further discomfort.

Dr Shetty also points to the seasonal surge in FODMAP-rich foods during summer—fruits like watermelon, mangoes, and berries, as well as increased consumption of cool drinks and fruit juices—as contributing factors. “These can aggravate symptoms like diarrhoea and abdominal pain,” he says. Moreover, gastrointestinal infections are more prevalent in summer, and such episodes can disrupt the gut microbiota, sometimes even triggering new cases of IBS or worsening existing symptoms.

Heat itself might also play a more direct role. “Excessive heat can increase physical stress on the body, and stress is a well-documented trigger for IBS,” says Dr Shetty. Some studies even suggest that individuals with IBS may be hypersensitive to heat, which could exacerbate abdominal pain during warmer months.

To navigate the summer months with fewer IBS flare-ups, Dr Shetty advises maintaining adequate hydration, staying out of extreme heat, and being cautious with dietary choices—especially when it comes to high-FODMAP foods and sugary beverages.

Ultimately, managing IBS involves a comprehensive understanding of one’s dietary and environmental triggers. Whether it's what’s on your plate or the temperature outside, being mindful of these factors can go a long way in keeping your gut calm and your symptoms in check.

Get Latest News Live on Times Now along with Breaking News and Top Headlines from Health and around the world.