top of page
Search
  • Writer's pictureDr. Chitra Jothinathan

Living with IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) and how to manage it?

Updated: Aug 12


Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a chronic functional bowel disorder characterized byabdominalpain, bloating and changes in bowel habits such as constipation and/or diarrhea. Causing abdominal distress, making a person seem bloated or gassy, having stomach cramps, or alternating between diarrhoea and constipation, IBS can hamper one’s ability to live a normal life. Even though the reason behind IBS is not clearly known, it is most thought to be caused by factors such as irregularity of the gastrointestinal tract, sensitiveness of the gastrointestinal tract and changes in the bacteria present in the gut. However, it should be noted that with the proper approach, people with IBS have the possibility to control the consequences of the illness and have a good life. 


 1. Understanding Your Triggers 

 Learning your triggers is an important part of managing IBS and this means that you have to understand your body. Some of the known causes are; consumption of specific foods, aggravating conditions such as stress, and hormonal alterations. You might want to try writing down what you eat and how you feel: food and symptom diary will tell you what foods or situations trigger your symptoms. For example, dairy products, gluten, high fat content and some fruits and vegetables cause IBS in some persons. 



When you realize what makes you have the cravings, you can be able to make the right decisions when it comes to your diet. It can be treated by avoiding or taking less of the foods that are causing the reaction, using stress reducing measures as well as closely observing signs of the body to avoid worsening of the symptoms. 


 2. Adopting a Tailored Diet 

 It has been established that diet has a relative importance to the management of IBS. The restriction of the food products which comprises of carbohydrates that are hard to digest, often referred to as the low FODMAP diet, has been found to be beneficial to most individuals with IBS. Foods that trigger IBS symptoms are usually rich in FODMAPs which stands for fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols and include garlic, onions, wheat, and apples and pears.

 

 A healthcare provider or a registered dietitian should always be consulted when adjusting your diet because of diabetes. When you are done avoiding the identified high FODMAPs for weeks, you can then start incorporating the forbidden foods in your diet to discover those which work with your stomach and those that do not. 


You may also check out - telemedicine services in india


 3. Incorporating Stress Management Techniques 

Coping with stress is another secondary cause of IBS since stress is known to cause a flare-up of symptoms. The gut and the brain are linked by the gut-brain axis and one can often worsen the other through stress. Stress management is one way though which you could be able to learn how to handle your IBS in the most effective way.


Taking exercises like mindfulness meditation, deep breathing, yoga, and engaging in other relevant exercises can decrease stress and at the same time enhance the general wellbeing of the person. Furthermore, the other important factor that can influence the gut health is the sleep quality and its regularity since its lack can be dangerous for the whole organism. 


 4. Using Medications and Supplements 

Thanks to the change in the essential concepts that determine the individual’s status, for some of them, medications and supplements are necessary to treat IBS symptoms. Some of these drugs include the antispasmodics which are easily available over the counter and are effective in the relief of abdominal pain and cramps. Laxatives may be useful for patients who have constipation predominant IBS while anti-motility agents may be useful for patients with diarrhoea predominant IBS. 


Some further promising results have also been observed from probiotics which constitute those bacteria that have positive effects on the overall gut health and functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, especially in contributing to the modern medical treatment of IBS. Again, it is recommended that specific species or strains of probiotics may work differently on different persons and thus the need to consult a doctor before taking any. 


 5. Seeking Support 

Having IBS often consists of experiencing discomfort and pain and can otherwise be regarded as a stressful experience. Counting on other individuals that know what the patient has to endure can go a long way. The most important thing you can do is perhaps find a support system, both in the physical world and the digital one: there are groups of people who have been through similar situations and/ or who share information and words of encouragement. 


 Supplementary to peer support, cooperation with your doctor is critical for dealing with the symptoms of IBS. In fact, it is advisable to go for a checkup periodically so as to manage your condition and review the treatment that you are taking. 


 Conclusion 

 It is worth mentioning that the everyday life experience of people who are diagnosed with Irritable Bowel Syndrome may be quite difficult but knowing the approaches it is possible to use for controlling this problem one can live a fairly comfortable life. Knowing your triggers, following a special diet, adding relaxation methods, taking medications and supplements if necessary, and asking for help will help you manage your symptoms and the quality of your life. Remember that learning to live with IBS is a process, and some techniques which help one patient can effectively harm another. Take time while finding the methods which work for you best and never mind to find professional help.


25 views0 comments

Comments


bottom of page