What To Do If You Develop Symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Learn as much as you can about the condition

Irritable bowel syndrome is a challenge that many people deal with for extended periods. If you are to have any chance of going through this ordeal and coming out better than before, you will need to know as much as possible about facing it. There are many valuable resources on dealing with IBS like books, pamphlets and reliable websites. You can also speak to medical professionals who can educate you on how to deal with the condition. As you learn, you should also pay attention to how your body is affected by IBS. Keeping records of when you experience discomfort, the foods or situations that trigger them and more can help you gain better control of the situation.

Improve your Lifestyle and Nutrition

The majority of IBS cases that are successfully navigated typically attribute their success to proper nutrition and lifestyle changes. Individuals who experience symptoms of IBS are often advised by experts to make certain changes in their diets like eliminating meals that are high in fats or foods that cause gas such as fizzy drinks, Indian mustard, uncooked brussel sprouts, broccoli or other cruciferous vegetables. Most people dealing with IBS find that diets that focus more on proteins, fibre and complex carbohydrates are more manageable by the body and help keep bowel flares at bay. In terms of lifestyle, situations which produce unnecessary stressors should be avoided, and conversely, efforts should be made to help the body get used to dealing with situations that may be interpreted as stressful but are necessary.

Seek Medical Help

While improving your lifestyle is the way to go when dealing with IBS, medical attention should be sought regularly. Seeing a doctor is important to ensure that the condition is not getting worse or being misrepresented. Sometimes what is thought to be IBS can turn out to be a grave condition known as Celiac Disease, and only a professional can help identify the difference in a timely fashion. Also, many healthcare providers have experience in helping people dealing with IBS and top-quality ones like Guys and St Thomas Healthcare have developed protocols to provide effective IBS treatment to patients. In combination with a healthy lifestyle, this can take patients on a reliable road to recovery.

Speak to Others

Many people dealing with IBS and its symptoms find it difficult to speak to other people about it. This is mainly because bowel issues are typically private so it can be embarrassing to discuss. But living and working with IBS can be very disruptive to one’s life and without the understanding of others, can cause patients to experience feeling of stress, anxiety, and depression - which can further trigger IBS. If you find that you have been experiencing IBS symptoms, speak with family members about this turn of events. They will be able to help you deal and even if they cannot, they will at least be more understanding about what you are going through.

Irritable bowel syndrome is a very challenging condition to manage, but with targeted knowledge, lifestyle changes, professional help and social help, it can be overcome.