If you often feel bloated, experience stomach pain after meals, or struggle with irregular bowel movements, you’re not alone. Digestive issues like Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and heartburn are becoming increasingly common. In fact, in Singapore, the prevalence of IBS has significantly risen over the past decade, affecting many people’s quality of life. As such, it is common for people to wonder if IBS can cause acid reflux or if IBS can cause heartburn. The truth is, while they are distinct conditions, they can sometimes overlap.
IBS often comes with symptoms like abdominal pain, bloating, and irregular bowel habits, while heartburn usually feels like a burning sensation in your chest or throat. However, dealing with both at the same time can be challenging, as they can share some triggers and symptoms.
Understanding the connection between IBS and heartburn is key to managing both. In this blog, we’ll explore how Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) approaches these conditions and how it can help restore balance and comfort.
Exploring the Link Between Acid Reflux (GERD) and IBS
Understanding the connection between GERD and IBS can be tricky, as both conditions affect different parts of the digestive system but can sometimes appear together.
GERD, for one, happens when stomach acid flows back into the oesophagus, often because the muscle acting as a valve between the oesophagus and stomach does not close properly. The upward movement of stomach acid may trigger a burning feeling in the chest area, which we commonly call heartburn.
On the other hand, IBS primarily affects the intestines. It is characterised by irregular bowel movements, including diarrhoea, constipation, or both. This happens when the muscles in the intestines move waste too quickly or too slowly through the digestive tract. Sometimes, there may be a lack of coordination between the muscles of the oesophagus, stomach, and intestines, which could explain why some people experience symptoms of both GERD and IBS at the same time.
Research has found that people who have both IBS and GERD often report more intense abdominal pain and trouble sleeping compared to those who have just one of the conditions. This overlap can make daily life more challenging and harder to manage, as symptoms can vary widely from person to person.
Experts believe that while there may be a link between GERD and IBS, the relationship is not entirely clear. This is because factors like diet, stress, and gut sensitivity could play a role. Since IBS itself is complex and influenced by various factors, it’s essential to look at each person’s symptoms individually.
Common Culprits: Identifying Shared Trigger Foods for Acid Reflux and IBS
If you’re dealing with both acid reflux and IBS, it can feel like almost anything you eat triggers discomfort. Surprisingly, both conditions often react to the same types of food and drinks.
Some of the most frequent culprits include alcohol, caffeine, and carbonated drinks. These beverages can irritate the lining of the stomach and cause bloating or heartburn. Spicy foods, fatty or fried dishes, and tomato-based products (like pizza and pasta sauces) can also lead to acid reflux and trigger IBS symptoms, such as cramping or diarrhoea.
Additionally, some people may react poorly to chocolate, citrus fruits, and garlic or onions, which are known for causing heartburn and digestive discomfort. Foods containing high-fructose corn syrup, sorbitol, or xylitol can worsen IBS symptoms, as these sugars may produce gas and lead to bloating when broken down in the digestive system.
It’s also important to consider lactose intolerance. If symptoms only appear after consuming dairy products like milk or cheese, it might not be IBS but rather lactose intolerance. To check, try eliminating dairy and see if symptoms improve. If your symptoms persist even when avoiding dairy, you may be dealing with IBS rather than lactose intolerance.
Managing Acid Reflux and IBS: Conventional and Holistic Approaches
When dealing with acid reflux and IBS, it’s essential to find a management plan that addresses both conditions without causing additional stress. For many people, lifestyle and dietary changes are the most effective way to manage symptoms, as both conditions often respond well to similar adjustments. However, conventional treatments can also play a role, especially when symptoms are persistent or severe.
Some people may find relief from acid reflux by using over-the-counter options. These include antacids that help neutralise stomach acid. For those who experience occasional gas or bloating, anti-gas medications may help reduce discomfort. In cases of chronic acid reflux, healthcare providers may suggest medications that reduce stomach acid production.
For IBS, conventional options might include medication that targets bowel spasms or helps manage constipation and diarrhoea. However, it’s important to remember that these treatments are usually aimed at symptom relief rather than addressing the root cause.
And since both GERD and IBS can be triggered by lifestyle factors, making some changes can significantly help reduce symptoms. Here are a few strategies that may help:
- Eating Habits: Rather than having three large meals, try eating smaller, more frequent meals. This can help prevent the stomach from becoming too full, reducing the chance of acid reflux. It also gives the digestive system time to process food more gradually, which can be beneficial for IBS.
- Timing of Meals: Avoid eating at least two to three hours before lying down. This may aid in stopping stomach contents from returning to the oesophagus, especially at night. If possible, slightly elevate the head of your bed to keep stomach acid from travelling upwards while you sleep.
- Dietary Adjustments: Some foods are more likely to trigger symptoms of both conditions. These include carbonated drinks, caffeine, alcohol, fried or spicy foods, and tomato-based products. Reducing or eliminating these can help minimise discomfort.
- Portion Control: Consuming large amounts of food can strain your digestive system, resulting in bloating and heartburn. Try to eat moderate portions and chew your food thoroughly.
- Weight Management: Keeping your weight within a healthy range can lessen the burden on the stomach, reducing acid reflux.
- Quit Smoking: Smoking weakens the lower oesophagal sphincter, making it easier for acid to escape into the oesophagus. Quitting can reduce reflux episodes.
- Stress Reduction: A frequent instigator of both IBS and GERD is stress. Therefore, exploring stress management techniques, like gentle exercise, mindfulness, or breathing exercises, can make a difference.
- Special Diets: Depending on your symptoms, your healthcare provider might recommend a specific eating plan.
TCM Perspective on Indigestion and Digestive Disorders
In TCM, digestion is more than just breaking down food—it’s seen as a vital process that transforms what we eat into energy (Qi) and blood, which nourishes the whole body.
The Role of the Digestive System in TCM
According to TCM, the Qi and blood, are fundamental for maintaining life and good health. The process of digestion is seen as essential because it provides the body with the energy it needs to function properly. If digestion is weak or disrupted, it can lead to imbalances that affect the entire body. Therefore, keeping the digestive system balanced is crucial for overall well-being and vitality.
Key Organs Involved in Digestion
In TCM, the digestive system involves several organs working together to ensure smooth digestion and nutrient absorption. The key organs include the Stomach, Spleen, Small Intestine, Large Intestine, and Bladder. Each of these organs has a unique role and contributes to maintaining digestive health.
- Stomach: The stomach is the first organ to receive food and liquids. Its primary function is to break down what we eat into a form that the body can absorb. If the stomach’s function is compromised, symptoms like nausea, appetite loss, or vomiting may occur.
- Spleen: The spleen is considered the central organ in digestion. It works with the stomach to transform the essence of food and liquids into Qi, blood, and body fluids. Additionally, the spleen plays an essential role in managing water balance within the body. When the spleen is weak or out of balance, you might experience bloating, tiredness, loose stools, or even water retention.
- Small Intestine: After the stomach processes the food, the small intestine continues the work of digesting and absorbing essential nutrients. It also plays a role in sorting the useful parts from the waste. If the small intestine’s function is disrupted, you may notice irregular bowel movements or urinary issues.
- Large Intestine: The large intestine’s role is to absorb remaining nutrients and fluids from the digested food and then expel waste. It ensures the body stays cleansed and balanced. Problems with the large intestine can lead to symptoms like abdominal discomfort, constipation, or diarrhoea.
- Bladder: Although primarily associated with storing and excreting urine, the bladder in TCM is also linked to maintaining fluid balance in the body. Issues with the bladder may manifest as frequent urination, difficulty urinating, or a burning sensation, indicating that the body’s fluid metabolism is out of balance.
TCM and IBS Management
In TCM, managing IBS involves understanding the underlying imbalances in the body. Instead of just addressing the symptoms, TCM looks at the root causes and considers how the digestive system interacts with the rest of the body. By identifying the patterns behind IBS, TCM offers a more holistic approach to managing symptoms.
Identifying IBS the TCM Way
In TCM, IBS is seen as a result of disharmony involving the Liver, Spleen, and Kidney, and can manifest differently in each person, including symptoms like abdominal pain, bloating, constipation, or diarrhoea.
TCM differentiates IBS subtypes based on whether symptoms are more related to stagnation (like abdominal cramping), deficiency (like fatigue and bloating), or heat (like inflammation and irritation). When diarrhoea is the primary symptom, it is often linked to Spleen deficiency or Liver Qi stagnation. In contrast, constipation may indicate heat accumulation or weakened Qi movement.
Common IBS Symptoms
IBS can cause a wide range of symptoms that affect not only digestion but also overall well-being. Digestive symptoms often include bloating, cramping, gas, abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhoea, or alternating between the two. Some people may experience a feeling of fullness even after a small meal or notice changes in stool consistency.
Non-digestive symptoms are also common, such as fatigue, headaches, sleep disturbances, or even mood swings. In some cases, stress or emotional factors like anxiety and worry can make IBS symptoms worse.
TCM Approaches for IBS
TCM takes a holistic approach which are usually tailored to each person, combining methods like herbal remedies, and dietary changes.
- Herbal Medicine: TCM often uses herbal formulas to strengthen digestion and relieve symptoms. Some commonly used herbs include White Atractylodes (Baizhu), Tangerine Peel (Chenpi) and Siler Root (Fangfeng). These herbs are known for their ability to support the Spleen and Liver while helping to reduce bloating and abdominal discomfort.
TCM and GERD Management
TCM views GERD not simply as an issue with stomach acid but as an imbalance between the Stomach and Liver. By harmonising these organs and promoting Qi flow, TCM aims to ease discomfort and reduce the frequency of acid reflux episodes.
TCM Understanding of GERD
In TCM, GERD is often seen as a result of disharmony between the Stomach and Liver, commonly linked to Qi stagnation and internal Heat. This imbalance can cause stomach acid to move upward into the oesophagus, leading to the typical burning sensation in the chest.
When the Liver’s Qi becomes stagnant, it can disrupt the Stomach’s normal function, causing acid to flow backwards. Stress, unhealthy eating habits, and emotional strain can make this imbalance worse. As a result, symptoms like chest tightness, sour taste, coughing, and difficulty swallowing may occur.
TCM Strategies for GERD
TCM uses a combination of methods to manage GERD, focusing on calming the Liver, regulating Stomach Qi, and reducing internal Heat. Herbal formulas are often customised to suit individual patterns of imbalance. For example, Ban Xia Xie Xin Wan and Xiao Yao Wan are commonly used to relieve acid reflux and ease heartburn symptoms. These formulas help cool internal heat and smoothen Qi flow.
Common herbs used for GERD include:
- Chinese Dates (Dazao): Supports digestion and nourishes the stomach.
- Licorice Root (Gancao): Reduces inflammation and soothes the digestive tract.
- Peppermint (Bohe): Relieves bloating and supports liver function.
- Fresh Ginger (Shengjiang): Warms the stomach and helps counteract nausea.
Why Choose TCM for IBS and GERD Management?
Managing IBS and GERD can be challenging, especially when symptoms keep coming back despite trying different approaches. Unlike conventional methods that often focus on just easing symptoms, TCM looks at the bigger picture before addressing the root causes of digestive discomfort through a holistic approach.
One of the key benefits of TCM is its personalised care. Rather than adopting a one-size-fits-all solution, TCM practitioners develop tailored plans that may include herbal remedies and dietary adjustments. This helps in regulating the body’s internal balance, which can reduce symptoms of acid reflux and IBS more effectively.
If you are struggling with persistent digestive issues, including acid reflux and IBS, TCM might offer the comprehensive support you need. Whether it’s addressing gastric reflux with TCM in Singapore, improving gut health with Chinese medicine, managing IBS, or even hives, a TCM practitioner can guide you through personalised strategies.
