Today, most of our days pass by in a blur and many of us frequently lose track of what we eat or how we live. This lack of discipline in our daily lives often snowballs into serious conditions that we call lifestyle diseases. High blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, arthritis, depression as well as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) are a few of such conditions. IBS is a gastrointestinal disorder caused by irregular contraction of bowel muscles which manifests in different forms of abdominal discomfort in different people.
Some people with IBS suffer from constipation, while some show symptoms of chronic diarrhea. In some instances, it may be a combination of both. The additional symptoms include abdominal pain, acid reflux, heartburn, bloating, nausea, anxiety, and loss of appetite.
Causes of IBS
Some researchers suggest that IBS is caused due to a hypersensitivity of the colon or due to a severe infection in the intestines. Some say it is because the nervous system which misinterprets signals from the bowel and causes a severe form of discomfort. Although IBS is a widespread health condition in the country, experts haven’t been able to narrow down the exact cause behind it.
IBS treatment options
There are ways to control the IBS symptoms and reduce the discomfort, enabling a healthy life for those going through this disorder. The remedy requires persistent efforts for long-term results. Just as IBS affects different people differently, the treatment is also specific to the person being treated. So, IBS treatment requires a patient and empathetic physician, who can design a routine that works best for you.
A majority of the remedial measures have to do with your lifestyle: what you eat, when you eat, how much you eat, and what activities you do during the day. Essentially, you have to track your daily activities so that your medicines could work effectively.
Usually, based on your symptoms the doctor will prescribe you with medications like antispasmodics, laxatives, probiotic or fiber supplements, antidiarrhoeal, antidepressants, pain relievers, etc. It is advisable to use any of the medications mentioned above in consultation with a physician as they may entail side-effects if taken in wrong proportions.
Apart from IBS treatments prescribed by your doctor, you should also try to implement the following remedies.
A balanced diet
This is the first step towards a successful IBS treatment. Your diet should comprise appropriate amounts of vitamins, minerals and fiber.
- It is vital to consume lots of fiber if you are fighting constipation. Fiber-rich food includes green leafy vegetables, apples, whole grains, sprouts, beans and legumes.
- Some foods contain soluble fiber, which dissolves in water and adds bulk to the stool, easing bowel movement. Such foods include oats, flax seeds, avocado, tofu, oranges and turnips.
- Drink lots of water. It is a good idea to consume at least seven to eight glasses of water daily.
- People suffering from diarrhea should avoid insoluble fiber such as corn, whole grains, and leafy veggies.
- One way of finding out what works best for you is the elimination method. Try crossing out foods that seem to worsen the condition, from your diet. Trial and error is necessary to arrive at the best-fit diet.
- Avoid irritants such as caffeine, peppers, onion, soft drinks, alcohol and even milk products. Lactose is known to trigger IBS in certain people. Processed foods and food with preservatives may also act as irritants to the bowels.
- Reduce the intake of fructose (the sugar found in fruits) as it may exacerbate diarrhea. This is the same in the case of artificial sweeteners; they are known to act as laxatives.
- Control the consumption of foods known to cause gas and acidity, such as cabbage, cauliflower, and broccoli.
It is better to have smaller and more frequent meals, than larger and fewer meals. It is advisable to eat at 2-hour intervals. This keeps the digestive system up and active. Also, smaller meals are easier to digest.
Manage the stress
Stress is a significant trigger for IBS and all other lifestyle diseases. It is essential that you find the time and ways to relax. Adding a physical exercise routine relieves your stress and aids bowel movement. Meditation is another way of calming the mind. Adding 30 minutes of exercise to your daily schedule will help with IBS, as well as general well-being. You can also try yoga or low impact activities like swimming, cycling, jogging, brisk walking, etc. If you are struggling to cope with the stress, you can also consult a therapist.
