Living With Ibs
As anyone who suffers from irritable bowel syndrome, or IBS, knows, it isn't easy. Your body can turn on a dime. One moment, you may be perfectly comfortable. The next, you're in a lot of pain and stuck on the toilet. Living with IBS is possible. It just requires a few tips on how to manage it. Here's how you can cope with irritable bowel syndrome.
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1. Keep Track of Triggers and Symptoms
As with any disease, knowledge is power. The more you know about the disease, the better the treatment can be. While there is no cure for IBS, there are a few steps you can take to help the symptoms. One step is to understand the triggers and symptoms associated with your irritable bowel syndrome.
The best way to do this is with a journal. Any time you experience stomach pain, constipation, bloating, or diarrhea, make a note of the date and time that it occurs. You should also make a note of what you were doing at the time and how you were feeling.
To start keeping track of your triggers, you'll also want to keep a food journal. In that journal, you'll record what you ate and at what time. Because IBS can sometimes be triggered by certain medications, it's also important to list out what medications you took and at what time.
When you visit your doctor, take your journals with you. This can help them locate possible triggers that are causing your IBS to flare up. With this information, you can be put on a restrictive diet that can help alleviate your suffering.
2. Be Open
You aren't the only one suffering from irritable bowel syndrome. Speaking to your friends and family about it can be a great source of support. While it can be difficult to talk about something like health--especially bathroom help--having them understand can help reduce your own stress and anxiety. You may even find that one of them also suffers from IBS.
Informing them can make life easier. Whenever you have to cancel or be late to something, they'll be more understanding because they know that you're suffering from a flare-up.
It also pays to inform your employer about your situation. You don't want to get into trouble because you have to leave what you're doing to the side for a few minutes to use the bathroom. When they understand that you're suffering from irritable bowel syndrome, you shouldn't receive trouble for it.
3. Avoid Triggers
The best way to avoid the unpleasant symptoms of IBS is to avoid the food that triggers it. While the triggers are different for everyone, there are a few common triggers. You might want to try avoiding foods like cereal and bread that aren't whole, processed foods, alcohol, carbonated drinks, coffee, dairy products, and high-protein diets.
Instead, you may want to eat food that is high in fiber like vegetables and fruits. You'll also want to eat plums or drink prune juice or water.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional consultation or advice related to your health or finances. No reference to an identifiable individual or company is intended as an endorsement thereof. Some or all of this article may have been generated using artificial intelligence, and it may contain certain inaccuracies or unreliable information. Readers should not rely on this article for information and should consult with professionals for personal advice.
