Statistically, it has been shown that there is a correlation between those with irritable bowl and GERD.
The overlap between IBS and GERD exceeds the individual presence of each of the symptoms and the study found that IBS was relatively uncommon in the absence of GERD.
Essentially, what this means is that if you have IBS, then there is a good chance that you also have GERD, Acid Reflux, or regular heartburn.
GERD basically occurs when stomach contents and acid return or reflux into the esophagus.
The esophagus is the tube that serves as the passageway for ingested food from the mouth into the stomach.
It is abnormal for stomach contents to regurgitate into the esophagus, since the normal lower esophageal sphincter or LES is designed to only allow entry of ingested matter.
Continue reading to discover how you can sign up for our free newsletter and find out about the natural IBS treatments that really work.
The dysfunction of the LES may stem from anatomical anomalies, although these are not very common.
It more likely to stem for other triggers like excess acid, food intolerance, poor diet or other physical conditions, like pregnancy or being overweight.
Two of the most common causes of LES dysfunction may be pressure due to hiatal hernia, which pushes gastric acids upward or hypochlorhydria (insufficient stomach acid).
Without enough stomach acid, instead of food moving into the intestines, it can be refluxed back into the esophagus.
There is a valve that opens to allow matter in the stomach to move on into the intestines, but it requires sufficient gastric acid to function.
The risk factors of GERD may predispose an individual to developing the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, before fully showing the effects of esophageal reflux.
In the case of alcohol consumption and smoking, vasoconstriction (contractions of the blood vessels) may cause hypomotility (abnormal muscle movement) of the intestines, which effects the passage of stool through the intestinal tract.
Vasoconstriction may also reduce the amount of blood circulating in the digestive system, which is why abdominal cramping may occur.
As contractions intensify with chronic smoking and excessive alcohol intake, it would increase the risk of gastric acid to accumulate, thus, be returned into the esophagus.
Pregnancy can aggravate irritable bowel syndrome and lead to GERD.
The increasing pressure inside the abdomen as the baby grows can lead to increased GERD symptoms, and also pregnancy is linked to IBS as it the pressure can irritate the hypersensitive intestines.
So, even if there is sufficient gastric acid, the pressure can force it to be expelled upward into the oesophagus.
A similar effect can happen in those that are overweight.
Some types of food also lead to the development of symptoms related to irritable bowel and GERD.
Caffeine and foods high in fat, as well as food that promote gas should be restricted to alleviate symptoms of both conditions.