Frequent bathroom trips before a job interview? Avoid sugar-free gum with xylitol, experts say

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For many people, stressful moments like job interviews or public speaking come with an unexpected and disruptive companion — an upset stomach. One possible cause behind this is irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), a chronic gut disorder that affects around 1.4 million people in South Korea alone.

Kim, 28, a job seeker based in Seoul, shared her experience of repeatedly dealing with abdominal pain and frequent trips to the bathroom before interviews. “Even when I avoided spicy or salty food days in advance, my stomach always hurt on the day of the interview,” she said. “Doctors say it’s just nerves and tell me to calm down, but it’s not that simple.”

IBS is a functional gastrointestinal disorder characterized by cramping, diarrhea, constipation or alternating symptoms, often triggered by stress, diet or environmental changes. It’s not caused by structural abnormalities but rather by overly sensitive gut muscles and nerves. May 29 marked World Digestive Health Day, an occasion to raise awareness of conditions like IBS.

According to Korea’s Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service, 1.41 million people sought treatment for IBS in 2023. Research published in Nature in 2021 suggested that immune system misfires may also contribute. The study found that the body’s immune cells may wrongly identify certain food particles as threats, triggering a release of histamines that irritate the gut and cause bloating, pain and diarrhea.

Although IBS is not life-threatening, it can be life-altering. Sufferers often experience symptoms during public events, travel or examinations. A 2023 study from the University of Missouri School of Medicine found that 38 percent of IBS patients also had anxiety disorders, and 27 percent experienced depression. The study noted the incidence of these mental health issues was twice as high among IBS sufferers, creating a vicious cycle where psychological stress worsens IBS and vice versa.

Despite some similarities in symptoms, IBS should not be confused with chronic inflammatory bowel diseases like Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis. “Inflammatory diseases usually come with weight loss and nutritional deficiencies, while IBS does not,” said Cha Jae-myung, a gastroenterologist at Kyung Hee University Hospital at Gangdong. He emphasized the importance of professional evaluation, including endoscopy, bloodwork and stool analysis, to ensure an accurate diagnosis.

There is no definitive cure for IBS, but it can be managed effectively to improve quality of life. Treatment typically involves lifestyle adjustments, stress reduction and dietary control. “Many believe IBS is tied to personality, but it’s actually more about physiological and environmental factors like stress, anxiety and dietary habits,” said Shin Seung-yong, a professor at Chung-Ang University Gwangmyeong Hospital.

One of the most effective dietary approaches is the low-FODMAP diet, which restricts certain types of fermentable sugars. A 2023 study by Sweden’s University of Gothenburg found that 76 percent of IBS patients who followed a low-FODMAP diet reported symptom improvement. This diet limits intake of fructose (found in fruit juices), lactose (found in milk, cheese and yogurt) and polyols — sugar alcohols found in low-calorie sweeteners like xylitol.

These substances are poorly absorbed in the small intestine, leading to water retention in the colon and potentially triggering diarrhea. They also ferment rapidly in the gut, producing excess gas and causing bloating. This is why experts recommend avoiding sugar-free gums, which often contains xylitol, if you suffer from IBS.

Some have turned to low-carb, high-fat (LCHF) diets, which may help but also carry risks. “High-fat meals stimulate bile release and activate bowel movements, which can worsen diarrhea,” Shin said. “IBS is a chronic condition, but with proper management, people can live normally. It’s important not to rush — start by gradually improving your diet and lifestyle.”

This article from the Hankook Ilbo, the sister publication of The Korea Times, is translated by a generative AI system and edited by The Korea Times.