Who Suffers from IBS More? Uncovering the Truth About IBS
Understanding IBS: What is it Really?
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a chronic condition that affects the large intestine, causing symptoms like abdominal pain, bloating, gas, diarrhea, and constipation. It’s a common but often misunderstood disorder, and while anyone can develop it, certain groups of people are more likely to suffer from it than others. In this article, I’ll share some insights based on medical research and my personal experience with IBS, as well as dive into which groups are most at risk.
Who Is Most Likely to Develop IBS?
You might be wondering: who suffers from IBS more than others? Well, it turns out that there are several factors that make some individuals more susceptible to this condition. Let’s explore these in greater detail.
Gender: Why IBS Affects Women More
One of the most striking trends in IBS cases is that women tend to suffer from it more often than men. Studies show that women are about two to three times more likely to develop IBS than men. But why is this the case?
Hormonal Fluctuations
Actually, the relationship between hormones and IBS is quite significant. Women’s hormone levels fluctuate throughout their menstrual cycle, and for many, these fluctuations can trigger IBS symptoms. The hormonal changes during menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause are known to affect the digestive system. Personally, I’ve spoken to many women who notice their IBS flaring up around their period, which can be frustrating and challenging to manage.
Increased Stress and Social Expectations
There’s also a social component to this disparity. Women often experience higher levels of stress due to societal expectations, family roles, and work-life balance. Stress, as we know, is a major IBS trigger, and this heightened stress can make women more prone to the condition.
Age: IBS and Younger Adults
While IBS can affect anyone, it tends to be diagnosed more frequently in younger adults, particularly those between the ages of 18 and 45. This doesn’t mean that older adults can’t suffer from IBS, but younger people are often the most affected. Why?
Stress and Lifestyle Factors
For younger adults, life is often full of change—whether it's navigating university, entering the workforce, or dealing with personal relationships. These factors can lead to increased stress levels, which, as mentioned, can exacerbate IBS symptoms. On top of that, eating habits, sleep patterns, and lack of exercise in younger populations may also contribute to the development of IBS.
Genetics: A Family Affair?
Now, this is something that many people don’t know about IBS—there’s actually a genetic component. If you have a family member with IBS, you might be at a higher risk of developing the condition yourself. IBS tends to run in families, suggesting that genetics plays a role in susceptibility.
Family History and IBS Risk
It’s not entirely clear which genes are involved, but studies show that IBS is more common among those who have close relatives with the condition. Honestly, I can’t help but think back to a conversation I had with a friend whose mother and grandmother both had IBS. She herself was later diagnosed with the condition, which just goes to show how genetic factors might influence your chances of developing it.
Other Risk Factors: Diet, Mental Health, and More
Beyond gender, age, and genetics, there are several other risk factors that can contribute to the likelihood of developing IBS.
Diet and Lifestyle
Diet plays a significant role in managing IBS symptoms. People who consume a high amount of processed foods, sugars, and fats may find themselves more likely to develop digestive issues, including IBS. Personally, I’ve noticed that when I consume too much dairy or fatty foods, my IBS symptoms become worse.
Mental Health and Stress
Mental health is another big factor in IBS. Conditions like anxiety and depression are commonly found in people with IBS. Honestly, stress and anxiety trigger my own IBS episodes from time to time. And it seems that the connection between the gut and brain, often referred to as the “gut-brain axis,” is a powerful one.
Conclusion: Who Suffers from IBS More?
So, who suffers from IBS more? The short answer is that women, particularly those in their 20s to 40s, are more likely to be diagnosed with IBS. But it’s not just about gender or age—it’s a mix of genetics, lifestyle, stress, and diet. If you are one of the many people who suffer from IBS, it’s important to seek the right support and treatment to manage the symptoms.
Whether you’re dealing with IBS yourself or know someone who is, the key takeaway here is to understand that it’s not just a digestive issue—it’s an emotional and psychological one too. Managing stress, maintaining a healthy diet, and getting proper medical care are all essential for dealing with IBS effectively.
If you’re still wondering if IBS could be the cause of your digestive issues, it might be a good idea to talk to a healthcare professional who specializes in gut health. Don’t let the stigma of IBS hold you back from seeking the help you deserve!
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Is 172 cm good for a man?
Yes it is. Average height of male in India is 166.3 cm (i.e. 5 ft 5.5 inches) while for female it is 152.6 cm (i.e. 5 ft) approximately. So, as far as your question is concerned, aforesaid height is above average in both cases.
Is 165 cm normal for a 15 year old?
The predicted height for a female, based on your parents heights, is 155 to 165cm. Most 15 year old girls are nearly done growing. I was too. It's a very normal height for a girl.
Is 160 cm too tall for a 12 year old?
How Tall Should a 12 Year Old Be? We can only speak to national average heights here in North America, whereby, a 12 year old girl would be between 137 cm to 162 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/3 feet). A 12 year old boy should be between 137 cm to 160 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/4 feet).
How tall is a average 15 year old?
Average Height to Weight for Teenage Boys - 13 to 20 Years
| Male Teens: 13 - 20 Years) | ||
|---|---|---|
| 14 Years | 112.0 lb. (50.8 kg) | 64.5" (163.8 cm) |
| 15 Years | 123.5 lb. (56.02 kg) | 67.0" (170.1 cm) |
| 16 Years | 134.0 lb. (60.78 kg) | 68.3" (173.4 cm) |
| 17 Years | 142.0 lb. (64.41 kg) | 69.0" (175.2 cm) |
How to get taller at 18?
Staying physically active is even more essential from childhood to grow and improve overall health. But taking it up even in adulthood can help you add a few inches to your height. Strength-building exercises, yoga, jumping rope, and biking all can help to increase your flexibility and grow a few inches taller.
Is 5.7 a good height for a 15 year old boy?
Generally speaking, the average height for 15 year olds girls is 62.9 inches (or 159.7 cm). On the other hand, teen boys at the age of 15 have a much higher average height, which is 67.0 inches (or 170.1 cm).
Can you grow between 16 and 18?
Most girls stop growing taller by age 14 or 15. However, after their early teenage growth spurt, boys continue gaining height at a gradual pace until around 18. Note that some kids will stop growing earlier and others may keep growing a year or two more.
Can you grow 1 cm after 17?
Even with a healthy diet, most people's height won't increase after age 18 to 20. The graph below shows the rate of growth from birth to age 20. As you can see, the growth lines fall to zero between ages 18 and 20 ( 7 , 8 ). The reason why your height stops increasing is your bones, specifically your growth plates.