IBS Symptoms Treatment

People don’t like talking about bowel movements, using the bathroom, and everything that comes with it, which is why a lot of people feel alone when they are struggling with bowel and colon related problems. Because of this, a lot of people living with IBS symptoms (irritable bowel syndrome) don’t know they have it or don’t realise that actually quite a few people suffer with it in their lifetime. According to the IBS Network, IBS “affects around a third of the population at some point in their lives” and for these people it is very important that there are proper measures in place for treating IBS symptoms.

IBS symptoms

Irritable bowel syndrome is a condition of the digestive system, often causing diarrhoea and/or constipation. Other IBS symptoms include stomach pains, bloating, flatulence, and can cause headaches and nausea too. There is no definitive cause of IBS, but it is believed that gut sensitivity plays a role in it, as well as stress and certain foods. It’s important that if you are struggling with similar symptoms, that you head to your GP as they can test you for IBS or any other underlying conditions.

IBS can affect anybody, although it seems more women suffer with it than men do. It might not always be present, sometimes it is worse than others. There are many more IBS symptoms such as backache, pain during sex, lethargy and bladder problems. If the symptoms are very bad, your doctors may give you medication to help cope, but if it’s not too life consuming, there are plenty of natural ways to help ease your symptoms.

If you have IBS, there are a few great ways of coping and living with the condition. It’s all about living a healthy lifestyle and taking good care of your digestive system.

Here are a few tips to help you live happier and healthier with IBS symptoms:-

1. Reduce Stress:

It’s believed that IBS is worsened or brought on by stress and anxiety. When we’re stressed, we don’t eat correctly and we don’t take proper care of our bodies, all reasons as to why IBS flares up during these periods. If you do find that your IBS is affected by stress, it’s very important to manage your stress and anxiety levels. Whether you reduce stress levels with CBT, meditation or exercise, you will hopefully see a reduction in IBS symptoms.

2. Increase diet of Fibre-rich Foods:

Increasing the amount of fibre you eat is important for people with IBS, especially if you struggle with constipation. Fibre loosens stools, making them easier to pass through and out of your body. Fibre can be found in fruits, vegetables and oats. Soluble fibres from fruit and vegetables aid constipation. Cut down on insoluble fibres such as nuts and cereals if you are struggling with diarrhoea.

3. Avoid Extra Flatulence:

Obviously you can’t stop a natural bodily function completely. It’s not healthy to hold in flatulence as this can cause pain and other problems, but you can avoid creating more flatulence than normal. By avoiding foods such as sprouts, cabbage and fizzy drinks, you avoid creating more gas than you would naturally.

4. Drink Water:

Drink more water throughout the day to help your digestive system. Drinking water also helps aid constipation.

5. Avoid certain foods & keep Food Diary:

Certain food groups can cause digestive problems for different people. If you believe there is a certain food that is making your symptoms worse, try avoiding different food groups. For a short while, avoid gluten or lactose and see if your symptoms are relieved at all. A dietician could help with this.

Another good way to see what foods are making your IBS worse is by keeping a food diary. Note down everything you eat and drink, make a note of how you feel afterwards and look back over it and see if there are any links between what you eat and how you feel.

6. Avoid Milk:

A lot of people who suffer with IBS are lactose intolerant, so milk can make symptoms much worse.

7. Reduce consumption of Caffeine:

Caffeine can increase diarrhoea, which is something that people with IBS don’t want any more of. As much as you might love a coffee in the morning, avoiding caffeine would be a lot more beneficial to living a healthy and happy life with IBS.

CONCLUSION

Do not be afraid of talking about bowel movements,stools or flatulence. IBS is a lot more common than people believe and anybody can suffer with it. It’s important that we talk about what we put in our bodies and what comes out of it. It’s all a part of life. It’s all natural.

James Kelly

http://www.learnhandyhealthandwellnesstips.com

High Wycombe, Western Australia, 6057

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