Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) affects around 10% of the population. IBS is a functional disorder in which the bowel or the gut doesn’t work as it should. It is one of the most common condition affecting the digestive system and entails a collection of symptoms such as cramping, abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhoea, and constipation.
Identifying the factors that trigger your IBS is a key step in managing your condition. While some people say their symptoms arise when they are under stress, others are affected after a meal or when having certain foods. Women often report worsening of symptoms just prior to or during their menstrual cycle.
Generally, eating small frequent meals is a good tactic if you suffer from IBS symptoms, as is making sure you have regular bowel movements if you have constipation-predominant IBS.
Here are some other quick tips to improve your general well-being and overall bowel health.
Quick Tips to Relieve IBS Symptoms
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Change your diet
Food does not cause IBS, but you can ease the symptoms of IBS by changing some eating habits. Certain foods may start some IBS symptoms or make them worse, some of which are milk and milk products, caffeinated drinks like coffee, carbonated drinks (especially those containing artificial sweeteners), alcohol, some fruits and vegetables.
A low FODmap diet is increasingly being advised by dietitians in the treatment of IBS. Research has shown that a diet that is low in certain carbohydrates helps alleviate symptoms in IBS patients. Essentially, these are molecules in food that are not well digested and absorbed by some people with IBS symptoms.
Please note that a low FODmap diet must be followed under the guidance of a registered dietitian, so contact your local dietitian or GP if you are interested in trying it.
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Stress relief
Many people who seek care for IBS also have anxiety, panic or depression. Stress is also an issue for people with IBS because it can make the symptoms worse.
Learning how to handle stress; counselling; yoga; breathing exercises; meditation; relaxation tapes and classes and acupuncture may help. Exercising regularly is a good way to relieve stress and it also helps the bowel function better.
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Medication
If diet and lifestyle changes do not help, medication can be used to treat the symptoms of IBS. Medication may be used for any of the following: regulating the movement of the digestive muscles, reducing diarrhoea, constipation and gas, relieving abdominal pain, and reducing symptoms of stress.
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Psychological therapies
You may also want to consider psychological therapies if your symptoms don’t improve after a year of treatment. Treatments such as cognitive behaviour therapy, hypnotherapy and psychotherapy have shown to relive symptoms. Ask your GP if these treatments are suitable for you and he may be able to refer you to a therapist.
How Phloe Can Help
Phloe Healthy Bowel has consistently shown to help improve symptoms of IBS and we regularly receive positive feedback from IBS suffering customers on how it has helped improved their symptoms and lifestyle by a large amount.
There is no cure for IBS, but there are lifestyle changes you can make to help control IBS. Drinking more fluids, having more fibre, learning to avoid symptom triggers, reducing stress and being more active are some key changes that need to be incorporated.
For more information on IBS or to join a support network and read about the latest IBS related news, diagnosis, diet and treatment, visit www.isbgroup.org. You can also find them on Facebook – click here to view their page!