Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a condition in which the intestines don’t function properly and become irritated. The most common symptom of IBS is diarrhoea and constipation. It is not usually serious, but it can cause some discomfort.
IBS happens when the muscles lining the intestine tighten up. When the intestinal walls contract, food is forced through quickly without being digested completely. This causes the stool to move too fast. Sometimes there may be cramping in the abdominal area, bloating and gas. Other symptoms include vomiting, nausea, pain or tenderness in your abdomen, fatigue and weight loss, if you lose a lot of fluid.
If you suffer from IBS, it’s important that you take good care of yourself so you can feel better as soon as possible. There are many things you can do to relieve the symptoms, including dietary changes, exercise, stress management, fibre supplements and other natural remedies.
IBS is a common disorder that can cause a lot of discomfort
Although most people with this problem have no physical abnormalities, doctors may perform tests to rule out other causes of the symptoms. Some treatments for IBS include fibre supplements, antispasmodics, antidepressants and probiotics.
It’s advised that you talk to your doctor about the best treatment option available. You might also want to consider seeing a therapist who specialises in stress management.
The first step to treating IBS is finding the right diet. A high-fibre diet will help to prevent the problems associated with the disease.
Recent advances in medications and treatments have led to new, more effective ways to manage IBS symptoms
In recent years, doctors and researchers have made great strides in understanding and treating IBS. This includes finding better drugs to help relieve the symptoms.
Some of the most important advancements in the treatment of IBS are the development of the following therapies:
Antidepressants
The use of antidepressants was once considered a last resort for people with severe cases of depression. However, it is now known that these medicines can also be used to treat some of the symptoms associated with IBS.
One of the most common types of antidepressants is called serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or SRIs. SRIs work by increasing serotonin levels in the brain. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that helps regulate mood and digestion. Studies have shown that SRIs can be effective in treating IBS symptoms.
Probiotics
A probiotic supplement is designed to promote healthy digestion by encouraging good bacteria to grow in your intestines. Many studies suggest that this type of therapy may improve the quality of life in patients who suffer from IBS.
Recent studies suggest that probiotics may help to treat IBS by restoring balance to the gut flora. In one study, participants who took a probiotic supplement reported less abdominal pain and improved quality of life than those who did not take a probiotic.
Another study found that taking a probiotic combination product for eight weeks resulted in significant improvement in IBS symptoms compared to placebo.
Probiotics are safe and effective, and may be a helpful treatment for people with IBS.
Dietary changes
In addition to taking medication, you should make dietary changes to try and reduce the symptoms. Avoiding caffeine and alcohol, eating smaller meals and drinking plenty of water are all recommended.
It is important to identify which foods trigger symptoms and then work to eliminate them from your diet. Other dietary changes that may be helpful include eating smaller meals more often throughout the day, limiting processed foods and eating plenty of fibre-rich fruits and vegetables.
There are many ways to manage IBS symptoms and recent advances have made it easier than ever before
IBS is one of the most common gastrointestinal disorders. Lifestyle changes can be very helpful in treating your IBS.
To sum up, here are our top tips to help you manage your IBS:
- Avoid foods like dairy, wheat and caffeine. Many people with IBS find that these three things aggravate their condition.
- Try to eat smaller meals more frequently. This will keep your stomach from being empty for long periods of time.
- Drink plenty of water. You may feel bloated because you’re not drinking enough fluids.
- Take a probiotic supplement every day. Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that improve digestive health.
You should also try to get regular exercise. Exercise helps to reduce stress and increase energy levels. It’s important for you to do at least 30 minutes of moderate activity each day.
IBS affects millions of Americans, but the exact cause of IBS remains unknown. However, there are several factors that may be linked to this type of problem. Some studies suggest that stress may contribute to IBS. If you suffer from chronic stress, it’s possible that the constant tension could lead to digestive problems.
Finally, certain foods can trigger an attack. For example, spicy food and caffeine-rich drinks like coffee and black tea are known to aggravate bowel issues. So, if you’re suffering from frequent bouts of diarrhoea or constipation, you should speak to your doctor.
