© The Indian Express Pvt Ltd
Tags:
Journalism of Courage
Can drinking coffee on a regular basis help women prevent irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)? A new meta-analysis says that coffee drinkers are 16 per cent less likely to develop IBS than those who drink other beverages. The science is really simple. Being a laxative, coffee helps those with constipation-predominant IBS as it eases the gut. It doesn’t work for those having frequent diarrhoea.
According to Dr Manoj Gupta, Consultant Surgical Gastroenterologist and Liver Transplant Surgeon at PSRI Hospital, New Delhi, coffee stimulates the release of gastrin, a hormone that causes the intestines to constrict and relax. Another hormone, called cholecystokinin, helps with digestion by triggering bile production. Both help keep the gut clean.
What is irritable bowel syndrome and why does it happen?
It is an intestinal disorder causing pain in the stomach, diarrhoea, constipation and change in the appearance of stool. It happens mostly because of an alteration in the interaction between the intestines and brain, also known as the gut and brain axis. The reason for changes in this axis is not known, but bacterial overgrowth, use of antibiotics and stress are the triggers. There are changes in gut sensitivity caused by abnormal brain neurotransmitters.
The human digestive tract contains bacteria, viruses, and fungi, collectively known as the gut microbiota or gut flora. These microorganisms play several critical roles in body processes like digestion and immune system function. When we overuse antibiotics to combat bacterial infections, the good bacteria die, affecting normal functioning. Some animal and human research suggests that this disruption may lead to IBS in some cases.
There are two types of IBS and are symptom-oriented. In one, constipation symptoms are more prominent and in the other, there are frequent bouts of diarrhoea.
How can drinking coffee on a regular basis help women prevent IBS?
Coffee can be beneficial in those patients who need gut stimulation like those suffering from IBS constipation. It is not recommended for those who experience frequent bouts of diarrhoea.
What foods should you avoid eating?
Some foods can worsen IBS-related constipation, which include breads and cereals made with refined grains, processed foods such as chips and cookies, coffee, carbonated drinks, alcohol, high-protein diets and dairy products, especially cheese.
Why are women more affected by IBS than men?
Although not proven by studies, somehow it is related to female hormones. The imbalance of estrogen and progesterone is thought to be responsible. That’s why symptoms are aggravated in women during their menstrual period. During periods, women with IBS tend to have worse symptoms.
What are signs and symptoms?
Abdominal cramps, gut disturbance and frequent bowel emptying are signs of IBS. Alarming symptoms can be appetite loss, weight loss and vomiting. Do consult a doctor and then work on your anxiety, improve your sleeping and lifestyle habits. Some antidepressants have also been found to be helpful to patients with undiagnosed IBS.
