Rumblings Down Below
Recent studies show that IBS is the second most common reason people give for staying home from work. Apart from showing how widespread the condition is, this also points to how tricky it can be to diagnose definitively: it becomes a kind of catch-all for gastrointestinal complaints.
The truth is, nobody really knows what causes IBS, although experts have postulated that it could be a miscommunication between the brain and the gastrointestinal system that results in abnormal muscle contractions, which in turn cause significant abdominal discomfort or pain.
Sufferers experience a persistent cramping pain that comes and goes, some cramps more painful than others. Quite often, the pain is affected by going to the loo, but not always in the same way: some people report relief afterwards, while others feel much worse.
IBS is not easy to pin down: it causes constipation in some, in others, diarrhoea, and sometimes a bit of both. And occasionally – but not always – it involves a bit of mucus too. It’s also often associated with other conditions, such as fibromyalgia, atypical chest pain, psychiatric disorders and even gastro-oesophageal reflux.
On top of all that, some medications (anti-anxiety pills, high blood pressure or cholesterol tablets, some diabetic and even thyroid drugs, for example) can produce similar symptoms, which further clouds the issue. So it’s extremely important that you tell your doctor if you’re taking any of them.
Continue reading your story on the app
Continue reading your story in the magazine
How to Survive the Feast-Or Famine Cycle
It’s empowering to have more than one income stream, but there is a downside: it’s easy to splurge when money is plentiful, but what about the lean months? Three self-starters share their tips for keeping an even keel through good and bad.
Kaley's Comet
Kaley Cuoco was so beguiling as Penny on The Big Bang Theory that she soon became one of the highest paid actors in television. With HBO’s comedic thriller series The Flight Attendant, she entered exciting, slightly sinister new territory – but it proved her range as an actress and cemented her broad-based appeal.
Let the Music Play
My dad died days before the global lockdown. While I was trapped within four walls, music and dancing gave me reason to smile again.
How to Make Your Own Luck
Luck isn’t easy to measure or study, but those who have managed to do it discovered it’s not the work of fate – it’s a skill you can cultivate and improve. So, how do you go about it?
Local Flavour
Stocking up your pantry? These artisanal foods are guaranteed to ignite the senses of home chefs everywhere. Meet the foodies behind two of South Africa’s tastiest brands.
The Comfort of Ritual
Rituals imbue our lives with depth and meaning. And in times of uncertainty, they are even more important because they create a sense of grounding.
Get Your Shine Back!
When the last of the summer heat is over, it’s important to take time to reverse any hair damage caused by sun and sea water.
The Rise of the Personal Shopper
It’s not a new concept, but the number of people who make a living from sourcing goods on behalf of clients is on the rise. We talked to three personal shoppers to find out what it takes.
Back to the Wild
Imagine camping in the Little Karoo… a billion stars above you, the ancient desert beneath, the insistent flapping of your canvas tent in the cold night air. Then banish all the rustic images this conjures up – because Dwyka Tented Lodge will confound all your expectations.
A Good (Mo) Hair Day
"Beauty Mokgwamme had other dreams, but circumstances took her exactly where she was meant to be."
THE SAUSAGE QUEEN
Get to know Cara Nicoletti, a fourth-generation butcher whose one-of-a-kind products are inspired by a reverence toward family tradition, her craft and the planet.
ROVING WITH ROVER
DRIVING TO YOUR DESTINATION? WE MAP OUT HOW TO KEEP YOUR BEST TRAVEL BUDDY HAPPY, CALM AND COMFY.
Yeah, YOU CAN PICKLE THAT!
Sweet corn? Of course! Strawberries? Sure! Grapes? Go for it! Think beyond cucumbers and graze your garden for unpredictable produce that's ripe for the pickling.
Family Affair
We've got food for all your folks! These six picnic-perfect recipes are sure to satisfy every uncle, cousin and kiddo at the reunion-oh, and earn their compliments, too.
HOW POLITICS POISONED THE CHURCH
THE EVANGELICAL MOVEMENT SPENT 40 YEARS AT WAR WITH SECULAR AMERICA. NOW IT'S AT WAR WITH ITSELF.
TAKE A DIP!
Spontaneous potlucks call for simple, scrumptious snacks. Carry in these five-ingredient (or less!) dips to make a splash at your breezy bash.
Chasing Joan Didion
I visited the writer's California homes, from Berkeley to Malibu. What was looking for?
PACKING COMPASSION
THE GREATER LANSING FOOD BANK PROVIDES THE FOOD KIDS LOVE, AND WELCOME RELIEF FOR PARENTS.
Can Forensic Science Be Trusted?
The story of a forensic analyst in Ohio, whose findings in multiple cases have been called into question, reveals the systemic flaws in American crime labs.
How to Make Veggie Burgers
No one will be asking “Where's the beef?” after trying these vegan sammies packed with wholesome, savory ingredients like sun-dried tomatoes, black beans and walnuts.