Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): Learn to Understand It

What Is IBS and How Common Is It?

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is one of the most common gastrointestinal disorders, so it’s important for you to know that you’re not alone: in Italy, it is estimated to affect around 10–15% of the population, with a higher prevalence among women.

IBS mainly affects young and middle-aged adults, but it can occur at any stage of life.

IBS is a functional bowel disorder, meaning that the intestine appears structurally healthy but does not function in a balanced way. For this reason, the diagnosis is made after ruling out other organic diseases through: clinical evaluation, a thorough medical history, and specific diagnostic criteria.

Clinical Profile: When IBS Affects Daily Life

IBS presents with symptoms that can vary greatly from person to person, both in intensity and frequency. The most common include:

• recurrent abdominal pain or discomfort (often relieved after bowel movements)
• bloating and abdominal tension
• changes in bowel habits: diarrhea, constipation, or an alternation of both
• sensation of incomplete evacuation

Based on the predominant symptom, IBS is often classified into constipation-predominant, diarrhea-predominant, or mixed forms. Symptoms tend to be chronic and intermittent, with phases of improvement and flare-ups.

IBS can interfere with everyday life: meal planning, social activities, work, travel, and even the ability to sleep well or manage a busy day.

For this reason, in clinical practice, to better understand symptom patterns and how much IBS is affecting you, four specific aspects are assessed:

• abdominal pain
• abdominal distension (bloating, tension)
• bowel habits (irregularity that disrupts your routine)
• impact on quality of life (how limiting it feels)

Once symptom severity is classified (from mild to severe), it becomes easier to determine the level and intensity of support needed.

One important detail: the emotional component plays a significant role. Stress and anxiety influence intestinal physiology, including motility, visceral perception, and permeability.

In simple terms: if you are going through a difficult period, your gut may “reflect” it as well.

How Can IBS Be Relieved*?

IBS results from intestinal hypersensitivity: the gut reacts excessively to stimuli that, in other people, cause no discomfort. This hyper-reactivity involves bowel motility, pain perception, and communication with the nervous system.

Unfortunately, there is no single “cure” for IBS today, but management follows a personalized approach that combines several strategies:

• attention to diet (identifying trigger foods)
• regular meal timing
• moderate physical activity
• improved sleep quality
• stress reduction

Nutrition, exercise, and rest are therefore the key areas where you can take action.
The goal is not to eliminate every symptom, but to reduce their frequency and impact on daily life, helping the gut function in a more balanced and predictable way.

A New Ally for Gut Well-Being: AXIGAB®

Within this context, AXIGAB® has been developed— a dietary supplement based on GABA and lemon balm (Melissa).

GABA is a neurotransmitter naturally present in the body, involved in regulating nervous system activity and reducing hyper-excitability. Lemon balm, a medicinal plant known for its calming properties, helps promote a sense of relaxation and calm.

AXIGAB® may be a useful support during stressful periods, when emotional tension is also reflected in the gut. It does not replace a healthy lifestyle or medical advice, but it can be integrated into a broader IBS management plan, helping restore balance between mind and body.

Because when it comes to irritable bowel syndrome, taking care of the nervous system is often the first essential step in taking care of the gut as well.

*Note: The content of this article is for informational purposes only and does not replace medical advice. If you experience symptoms or have concerns, consult a healthcare professional.