Fat Malabsorption IBS
Good health and feelings of well being rely to a large extent on an efficient digestive system as that is how the body obtains essential nutrients from the food that we eat. If for some reason the body is unable to properly digest food, assimilate nutrients and eliminate waste then health problems will occur.
Take IBS for example. IBS can be classed as a functional disorder of the digestive system because although there is nothing structurally wrong with the digestive system, the function of digestion is impaired in some way. IBS is diagnosed when other potential causes of the symptoms have been ruled out so although there is no test that can detect IBS itself, a doctor may well perform a number of tests in order to rule out anything else.
Symptoms of IBS include diarrhoea, constipation, abdominal pain, bloating, the presence of mucous in the stools and flatulence. There is no single identifiable cause of IBS although several triggers have been identified including food intolerances and allergies, hormonal influences, and imbalances in the microflora of the gut. There is no cure either and treatment involves finding ways to cope with the symptoms.
Sometime people with IBS have symptoms of fat malabsorption; however, fat malabsorption can also occur as a result of other more serious health problems so it’s important to seek the advice of a doctor in order to obtain an accurate diagnosis.
What is fat malabsorption?
Fat malabsorption is when the body is unable to properly digest or absorb fat and in the case of IBS, this may be a result of bacterial overgrowth in the gut. The symptoms of fat malabsorption include:
- Diarrhoea – In fat malabsorption the passage of food through the intestines can be much quicker resulting in frequent bowel movements
- Floating and foul smelling stools or Steatorrhoea caused by an excess of fat in the stools which are pale, offensive and difficult to flush away
- Weight loss and malnutrition as the body is deprived of essential nutrients
- Fatigue and lethargy
If you experience any sudden changes in bowel movements then speak to your doctor who will be able to take your full medical history into account and possibly carry out a number of investigative procedures which could include tests to identify any structural abnormalities, stool samples, blood and liver function tests, and breath hydrogen tests, which can indicate if there is bacterial overgrowth in the gut.
Some people find that avoiding foods that trigger symptoms and making some lifestyle changes are all that is required to keep their IBS under control whereas others may require medication to help alleviate the symptoms. See your doctor for advice.
cause | clinical trial 1 | clinical trial 2 | symptoms | syndrome | diet | what is IBS | stress | medication | treatment | symptoms | foods that trigger | cure | diarrhoea Predominant IBS | causes | constipation | diverticulosis | do I have IBS? | how long does it last | hydrocodone | menstruation | pregnancy | children | recipes | mylanta | natural cure | excessive bloating | fibre | control | low starch diet | products | relief | natural treatment | nausea | pepto bismol | zoloft | eating | fat malabsorption | headaches, confusion, weakness, tired | apple cider vinegar | heartburn | chiropractics | grapefruit seed extract | is it a disease | more alternative medicine | narrow stool | bad smell | does whisky help | dos and don'ts | fibromyalgia | tomato | aloe vera | constipation | Non Drug Remedy | Probiotics | St. Johns Wort | Acupuncture | Best probiotics | Cleansing | Endoscopy | Abdominal Pain | antibiotics | Migraine | Sex | Constipation Cause | Doctor | Drugs | Overweight | reaction antibiotics | Treatment Yeast | Weight Loss | wheat free diet | Hereditary | Living with it | Mental Attitude | Nutrition | Paxil | Reducing excess wind | Remedies for anxiety related IBS | Rifaximin | Side ache, Back ache | Stopping IBS | Wellbutrin | Whey Protein, Colitis | Will Omega 3 fish oil help | Types of IBS