Millions of people suffer from IBS, or irritable bowel syndrome, on a daily basis. IBS can be highly disruptive to one's quality of life, and the symptoms can vary significantly from person to person. While there is no one-size-fits-all cure for IBS, there are many ways to manage the condition and improve one's quality of life. This article explores some tips on how to manage IBS.
What is IBS?
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) frequently affects the entire digestive system. IBS is a long-term illness you'll have to deal with for the rest of your life. Only a tiny percentage of individuals with IBS have severe symptoms. Some people may be able to control their symptoms by prioritizing nutrition, exercise, and stress management. Medication and counseling can help patients with more severe problems.
What Causes IBS or Makes it Worse?
Severe Gastroenteritis (diarrhea) caused by bacteria or a virus can cause irritable bowel syndrome. IBS might also be linked to an overabundance of germs in the intestines (bacterial overgrowth). Early life stress. People exposed to stressful situations, especially children, are more likely to experience IBS symptoms.
When people eat or drink certain foods or beverages, such as wheat, dairy products, citrus fruits, beans, cabbage, milk, and carbonated drinks, they might experience worsened IBS symptoms. Stress is a common trigger of IBS. Most individuals with IBS experience declining or more frequent signs and symptoms during increased stress.
What are Common IBS Symptoms?
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a disorder in which the smooth muscle of your intestines has an overactive response, causing abdominal discomfort and altered stool habits. The most typical signs are abdominal pain, often associated with bowel motions, and variations in stool patterns. Depending on your sort of IBS, these changes might be diarrhea or constipation.
What are the types of IBS?
- (IBS-C): IBS with constipation is characterized by the majority of your feces being hard and lumpy.
- (IBS-D): IBS with diarrhea is characterized by loose, watery stools.
- (IBS-M): IBS with mixed bowel habits is characterized by both on the same day.
IBS Management Tips
There are a variety of tips that can help manage IBS. Some of the most important include eating a healthy diet, avoiding trigger foods, practicing stress-relieving techniques, and getting regular exercise.
Eating a Healthy Diet:
A healthy diet is critical for managing IBS. In general, it's crucial to eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Avoiding processed foods, sugary drinks, and high-fat foods is also essential.
Avoiding Trigger Foods:
Certain foods can trigger IBS symptoms in some people. If you know what food can trigger your IBS symptoms, try to avoid them. Common trigger foods include wheat, dairy products, citrus fruits, beans, cabbage, milk, and carbonated beverages.
Practicing Stress-Relieving Techniques:
Stress can also trigger IBS symptoms. When stressed out, your body releases hormones that can aggravate IBS symptoms. Practicing stress-relieving techniques such as yoga or meditation can help minimize IBS symptoms.
Getting Regular Exercise:
Exercise is a popular way to reduce stress and improve IBS symptoms. Exercise releases endorphins, which have mood-boosting effects and help to relax the body.
If you're struggling with IBS, there are many things you can do to manage the condition and improve your quality of life.
Is IBS Curable?
There is no cure; you may manage and improve symptoms through nutrition and lifestyle adjustments. If your Gastrointestinal issues aren't going away, see your doctor. By collaborating with each other, you can discover an IBS treatment strategy that works for you.
If you're struggling with IBS, your Gastroenterologist can help. They can recommend medications or counseling that can help manage IBS symptoms. They may also be able to recommend dietary changes or exercises that can help improve IBS symptoms. If you have difficulty managing IBS on your own, talking to your Gastroenterologist is an excellent step in finding relief.
Need Help Managing Your IBS?
GI Associates' specialists and doctors can help with screening, diagnosis, and treatment. Please contact us if you'd like to set up an appointment with a doctor or have further questions. We offer high-quality Gastrointestinal care for all Gastrointestinal issues and abnormalities, including IBS.
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