Irritable bowel syndrome, more commonly referred to by most as IBS, is a condition that many people live with. The good news is that it can be carefully managed for most people, and so it ceases to be a serious issue, yet for others, it is something they need to battle against every single day.
So, regardless of your motivation, if you want to learn more about irritable bowel syndrome, you have clicked on the right article, as here is living with IBS: 101.
IBS: An Overview
IBS is considerably more common than you may think and is an issue affecting one or more parts of the digestive system.
Unfortunately, once a person develops irritable bowel syndrome, it is likely that they will experience symptoms either regularly, or hopefully less regularly, throughout their lives.
Signs and symptoms of IBS
Depending on the severity of the IBS, the signs and symptoms can vary dramatically but often include one or more of the following:
- Cramping and pain in the stomach
- Changes in the movement of the bowel
- Tiredness and fatigue
- Depression and anxiety
- Intolerance of certain foods
- Bloating and gas
Treatment Options
As IBS varies so dramatically from individual to individual, your doctor may well struggle to find you a treatment, or indeed a combination of treatments, that work for you long-term, which is why, along with your GP’s consent, you could consider additional treatment options.
From medical cannabis UK, which has been said to be effective in reducing bloating for people with IBS, as well as other gastrointestinal issues too, to acupuncture and other more holistic treatments.
Food to Avoid
As someone living with IBS, it may well be the case that there is a certain type of food, ingredient, or else a small additive, that triggers a flare-up, and in an ideal world, you would be avoiding such triggers entirely.
Common foods you should try and avoid, especially during a bout of IBS, include gluten, specifically wheat, barley, or rye; dairy items such as milk and cheese; fried foods of all types, legumes, and beans; and highly processed foods.
Changes to Make to Your Diet
Finally, just as you will hopefully look into avoiding the above foodstuffs, it becomes just as important to focus on making small and manageable changes to what you are eating.
Fruit and vegetables are, for a wide variety of reasons, by far the best things to eat, for people who have in-tune digestive systems and IBS alike, and for people with the latter condition, you should focus on pears, figs, kiwi fruits, and apples.
On those days when you simply do not have the time, or maybe the inclination, to ensure each meal is packed full of vegetables and fruit, at least carry packs of dried fruit in your pocket.
In addition, you should also look to start including cereals and whole-grain bread products as part of your daily diet, as well as prune juice, oat bran, lentils, peas and beans, and plenty of water too.
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