Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and leaky gut syndrome are both gastrointestinal (GI) conditions with unknown causes.
There is a good chance you have either heard of, suffer from, or know someone who suffers from IBS. Leaky gut Syndrome isn’t as well-known, so it may be new terminology for you.
But what exactly are IBS and leaky gut syndrome, and how can you tell the difference between them?
What is IBS?
IBS is a functional gastrointestinal (GI) disorder characterised by stomach pain and irregular bowel motions (diarrhoea and/or constipation) which can’t be explained by structural abnormalities.
Quality of life can be significantly reduced when suffering from IBS and it’s easy to understand why with common symptoms including diarrhoea, constipation, abdominal pain, flatulence, bloating and nausea.
Despite IBS impacting between 9 to 23% of the global population, the exact cause of IBS is still unknown. Factors that may contribute to developing IBS include impaired gut-brain communication, stress, psychological conditions (such as depression and anxiety), dysbiosis (altered gut bacteria), and GI infections.
Various factors can worsen IBS symptoms including certain fermentable carbohydrates (FODMAPs), caffeine, high fat foods, alcohol, and stress.
What is leaky Gut Syndrome?
Leaky gut is increased intestinal permeability, which is associated with a variety of conditions.
Intestinal permeability is basically how easily something can move through the cells of our intestinal (gut) barrier. This barrier allows the ‘good guys’ to cross into the gut (e.g nutrients, gut bacteria, fluid, electrolytes) and acts to stop the ‘bad guys’ from entering (e.g toxins and pathogens). So if intestinal permeability increases, larger (and a greater amount of) substances can cross the gut barrier more easily. This then increases risk of disease and GI complications.
The exact cause of leaky gut remains unknown. Impaired gut barrier function and increased intestinal permeability has been associated with a variety of conditions, particularly Irritable Bowl Disease (IBD) and Coeliac Disease. Other conditions which have been linked to altered gut barrier function include GI infections such as salmonella and gastroenteritis, IBS, liver disease, food intolerances, and chronic fatigue.
Other factors which can increase intestinal permeability include a low fibre diet, antibiotic use, alcohol consumption, high-fat foods, and use of Non-Steroid Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen.
So what is the difference between IBS and leaky gut?
Similarities between IBS & leaky gut:
- The exact cause and effect relationship in both conditions is unknown
- Both can impact the integrity of the GIT
- Low-fibre diets, high-fat foods, and alcohol can be triggers for both
- Gut bacteria (microbiota) play an important role in both
- Both may improve with the use of probiotics and prebiotics
Differences between IBS & leaky gut:
- IBS is a functional GI disorder that can be incredibly debilitating and has established criteria for diagnosis.
Leaky gut is more of a phenomenon, which is associated with multiple diseases/disorders and the use of certain substances. For example, any inflammatory process can increase gut permeability, and multiple factors may compromise barrier function.
- Diet plays a much larger role in IBS management
- IBS has various typical signs and symptoms, whereas leaky gut does not.
- Better established treatment options for IBS symptoms, such as a low FODMAP diet.
Where to seek help
If you have IBS or leaky gut or are concerned you may, it is important to seek help from an accredited practitioner. This includes a GP, an Accredited Practising Dietitian (APD) and potentially also a Gastroenterologist.
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If you are experiencing gut symptoms and have not been recommended a low FODMAP diet by a health professional, get started with the manage your gut symptoms program.
Reviewed by the healthylife Advisory Board March 2022
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