Why IBS Is Rising in Urban India? Role of Stress, Fast Food, and Lifestyle Change
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) has become one of the most common digestive problems seen in urban India today. More people in cities are complaining of abdominal pain, gas, bloating, constipation, or diarrhoea. Many patients feel uncomfortable even talking about these symptoms. But IBS is a real medical condition that needs timely care and lifestyle correction.
Urban lifestyle has changed rapidly in the last decade. Work pressure, irregular meals, lack of sleep, and dependency on outside food have increased. These factors are directly linked to digestive issues. According to leading specialists like Dr. S. Srivatsan Gurumurthy, a top Robotic GI Surgeon in Chennai, the rise of IBS is not surprising. Most patients he sees at GEM Hospital and SS Surgical Clinic have similar lifestyle habits.
In this blog, let us understand why IBS is increasing in cities, how stress and fast food trigger symptoms, and what you can do to manage it better.
What Is IBS?
IBS is a functional bowel disorder. This means the digestive tract looks normal in scans, but does not work normally. The intestines become sensitive and react strongly to stress, certain foods, or hormonal changes.
Common symptoms include:
- Abdominal pain
- Gas and bloating
- Loose stools or constipation
- Mucus in stools
- Feeling of incomplete bowel movement
IBS is not life-threatening. But it affects daily routine and reduces quality of life. Early treatment from an experienced Surgical Gastroenterologist in Chennai can help prevent long-term discomfort.
Why IBS Is Increasing in Urban India?
IBS cases are rising every year. City lifestyle plays a major role. Here are the three biggest reasons for the increase.
1. Stress and Long Working Hours:
Stress is the number one trigger of IBS. In urban India, stress levels are higher than ever.
People working in IT, corporate jobs, and business face continuous mental pressure. Competition, deadlines, long meetings, irregular sleep, and lack of work-life balance increase tension. Stress impacts the brain–gut connection. When the brain is stressed, the intestine becomes more sensitive. This leads to cramps, irregular bowel movements, and acidity.
Doctors like Dr. S. Srivatsan Gurumurthy, known for his expertise as a Robotic Surgeon in Chennai, often observe that patients with IBS have high levels of emotional stress. Once their stress is reduced, many symptoms settle naturally.
2. Fast Food and Poor Eating Habits:
Urban India has seen a huge change in food habits. People are eating more:
- Fast food
- Packaged snacks
- Fried items
- Sugary drinks
- Processed foods
Most people skip breakfast, have late lunches, and eat heavy dinners. Outside food often contains excess oil, preservatives, and artificial flavours. These irritate the digestive system and increase bloating and acidity.
Even healthy foods can trigger IBS if eaten irregularly. Not chewing food properly, eating in a hurry, or overeating at night disrupt digestion.
According to experts like Dr. S. Srivatsan Gurumurthy, a skilled Laparoscopic Surgeon in Chennai, diet plays a major role in controlling IBS. A personalised diet plan helps reduce symptoms within weeks.
3. Sedentary Lifestyle and Lack of Exercise:
Modern lifestyle involves long sitting hours. Most people work on laptops, use mobiles for entertainment, and avoid physical activity. Lack of exercise slows down bowel movement. This causes constipation, gas, and discomfort.
Walking, yoga, and simple stretching can help the intestines function better. But many city residents do not include any physical activity in their routine.
Poor sleep is another major reason for IBS. Sleeping late, scrolling phones at night, and waking up tired affect digestion. The gut needs rest to function properly.
How Stress Affects the Gut?
The brain and gut are connected through the “brain–gut axis”. When you are stressed, the brain sends signals to the intestines. These signals cause the gut muscles to contract more or slow down. This results in either diarrhoea or constipation.
Stress also increases acid levels in the stomach. This causes burning sensation, bloating, and nausea. Over time, patients develop IBS symptoms.
Relaxation methods like meditation, deep breathing, and spending time outdoors help reduce stress and calm the gut.
How Fast Food Triggers IBS Symptoms?
Fast food is high in unhealthy fats, spices, artificial colours, and preservatives. These irritate the intestinal lining. Carbonated drinks cause bloating. Excess sugar feeds bad bacteria in the gut. This increases gas and discomfort.
People in cities also eat food very late at night. Eating close to bedtime gives no time for digestion. This leads to heaviness, disturbed sleep, and morning diarrhoea.
Switching to simple home-cooked meals can make a huge difference in IBS management.
Lifestyle Changes to Prevent IBS:
IBS cannot be cured permanently, but it can be controlled. These simple lifestyle changes help most patients:
- Eat smaller meals throughout the day
- Reduce fast food, fried items, and packaged snacks
- Drink plenty of water
- Sleep at the same time daily
- Walk for at least 30 minutes a day
- Practise yoga or breathing exercises
- Avoid excessive tea, coffee, and aerated drinks
- Keep a food diary to identify triggers
Patients who follow these changes regularly feel much better within a few weeks.
When Should You See a Specialist?
If symptoms continue for more than two weeks, it is important to consult a specialist. Early diagnosis helps prevent complications and improves quality of life.
A highly experienced surgeon like Dr. S. Srivatsan Gurumurthy, leading Robotic GI Surgeon in Chennai, offers advanced evaluation for chronic digestive issues. With over 17 years of experience in gastrointestinal and minimally invasive surgeries, he is known for his expertise in managing complex digestive conditions. Dr. Srivatsan has also co-authored 34 research papers in reputed national and international journals and has been honoured with the prestigious AHPBA Travel Grant Award for his laparoscopic surgery presentation at Seoul in 2019. His academic achievements and international recognition make him one of the most trusted specialists for digestive disorders.
If any of the following symptoms appear, immediate consultation is required:
- Weight loss
- Blood in stool
- Severe abdominal pain
- Vomiting
- Persistent diarrhoea
A qualified Surgical Gastroenterologist in Chennai like Dr. S. Srivatsan Gurumurthy can help identify the exact cause and guide proper, personalised treatment based on your condition.
Conclusion:
IBS is rising quickly in urban India. Stress, fast food, irregular routine, and limited physical activity are the main reasons. But with the right lifestyle changes and timely medical guidance, IBS can be managed effectively.
If you are experiencing IBS symptoms or digestive discomfort, consulting an expert like Dr. S. Srivatsan Gurumurthy, a trusted Robotic Surgeon in Chennai, can help you get relief and improve your gut health. You can book an appointment with Dr. Srivatsan today to receive personalised care and start your journey towards better digestive health.
Taking care of your digestive system today will protect your health tomorrow.