New Research Gets Closer To Understanding IBS & How To Treat It

For this study, the researchers wanted to pinpoint what causes the disruption in a person's ability to tolerate foods. IBS patients often report gastrointestinal infections at the start of their symptoms, so the team dug deeper. What if foods present during an infection wound up triggering the immune system afterward?

As it turns out, that may be exactly what's happening. And the research suggests it could be related to histamine. In their first study, the team infected mice with a bacterial infection and fed them a particular protein found in eggs—a common allergen.

Of course, the team wanted to see if these results translated to humans, and—long story short—they did.

When IBS patients had common food antigens injected into their intestines (gluten, soy, cow's milk, etc.), the researchers observed the same localized immune response as they saw in the mice. It's also worth noting that the research team had previously completed research that found blocking histamine improved symptoms for people with IBS.

As we get closer to understanding—and treating—IBS, more research is necessary to confirm the IBS-histamine link, but the findings seem promising.

"Knowing the mechanism that leads to mast cell activation is crucial and will lead to novel therapies for these patients," Boeckxstaens says. "Mast cells release many more compounds and mediators than just histamine, so if you can block the activation of these cells I believe you will have a much more efficient therapy."

And given how difficult it is to diagnose these intolerances since there isn't a typical allergic response, Boeckxstaens says these insights "provide further evidence that we are dealing with a real disease."