Finding Irritable Bowel Syndrome Relief
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a chronic condition in which the large intestine is affected in a variety of ways. Common symptoms associated with the disorder are bloating, cramping, stomach pain, constipation or diarrhea.
While IBS is relatively common, it can definitely impact a person’s quality of life because it can influence a person’s ability to participate in certain activities if not appropriately managed. Fortunately, there are treatments that offer irritable bowel syndrome relief.
Manage Your Diet
Diet is one of the most common culprits behind IBS. While there is no one-size-fits-all diet plant for individuals with IBS, it is essential for people to learn which foods trigger an IBS episode.
A good idea for many people is to try the FODMAP diet where you can slowly eliminate and introduce certain carbohydrates into your diet. It may be a lengthy process, but the more you understand how your body responds to certain foods, the faster you can get a handle on your symptoms.
Sometimes, the elimination of certain foods is all that a person needs to live a relatively normal life with IBS. It’s definitely worth the time investment.
Maintain a Food Journal
One of the fastest ways to irritable bowel syndrome relief is understanding which foods or eating habits cause problems. You can get a handle on this by keeping a detailed food journal. It may seem painstaking to jot down everything you eat, but it will provide a clear picture of what impacts your body. It can also help your doctor create a better strategy for you in the long-term.
Drink Herbal Tea
Herbal teas not only soothe your mind but also include ingredients that soothe the digestive tract. If you feel the symptoms of IBS, make a cup of warm herbal tea and slowly sip it throughout the day. It can provide almost instant IBS relief.
While there are a variety of herbal teas to choose from, peppermint is a terrific option if you are feeling nauseous or have stomach pain while fennel can relieve constipation. Speak to your doctor about other herbal teas that may soothe your exact symptoms.
Increase Your Fiber Intake
Fiber can actually help your intestines operate at their best. While people with IBS can benefit from fiber, it’s important to slowly increase your fiber levels so your colon can adequately adjust to it. Again, the FODMAP diet is a great way to introduce fiber-rich fruits and vegetables slowly.
For patients who don't respond to medication, they may turn to IBS supplements to ease symptoms. Which ones are used and do they work? Find out here.
Probiotics
There are always bacteria in the gut, but balancing that bacteria can go a long way in managing the symptoms of IBS. Probiotics can do just that!
This daily supplement introduces healthy bacteria that can get you back on track and your digestion running a little more smoothly. Of course, you should discuss probiotics with your doctor before using probiotics for IBS or any other condition.
Create a Meaningful Eating Strategy
It’s not always about what you eat, but how you eat. Your eating habits can directly influence your bowels and how well your intestines are able to process certain foods.
To help with IBS and to create general better eating habits you can do two things.
First, you should eat at regularly scheduled times. This allows your body to get used to a particular pattern and thus create a better digestion schedule.
Second, you should eat smaller meals. Eating larger meals can overwhelm your system and sometimes that is what triggers IBS symptoms.
Relax
Believe it or not, a lot of IBS symptoms are brought on by stress. Because of this, it’s important to learn effective strategies to calm your body and mind. You can do this by lowering your anxiety levels by practicing targeted relaxation exercises. These types of exercises include:
- Visualization
- Muscle relaxation
- Deep breathing
Learning to do these things can help you work through the symptoms of an IBS attack or even avoid them altogether.
Reach Out for Support
IBS can take a toll not just on your body, but also your mental health. It can feel like an isolating condition because of how much it takes physically from you.
Many people with IBS benefit from seeking outside support. There are support groups focused entirely on IBS, and there are counseling services available to help you manage the stress associated with the disease.
IBS can be incredibly disruptive, and seeking psychological help can help you better manage the symptoms and find hope in the long-term strategy of dealing with the condition.
Overview
While IBS can be a lifelong condition, there is hope for finding irritable bowel syndrome relief. There are a variety of factors that influence the symptoms and severity of the disease, and the more you understand your body, the more you can work toward managing those symptoms.
If you have IBS, reach out to your doctor for more information of ways you can manage the symptoms and ultimately get the IBS relief that you deserve.
