How to Make Living with IBS More Comfortable
Coping with a chronic illness or health issue can be exhausting and frustrating, to say the least. It can negatively impact every aspect of your life and have you searching for tips on how to deal with it. That can certainly be the case for those living with IBS. While some people may only experience mild symptoms, others can be dealing with a daily IBS flare-up. Daily flare-ups don't just have negative physical consequences; they are taxing on your mental well-being too.
Rather than accept it as your reality, here are some ways you can make living with IBS more comfortable and hopefully reduce the symptoms you’re suffering from.
Diet Changes Will Be Necessary
There is no way around it; if you want to be able to cope better with your symptoms, you need a solid diet plan for IBS. There are many known food triggers for those with IBS and being aware of what these triggers are will have a massive impact on your symptoms. And sometimes it’s not even about the food itself, but the quantity. It will take some time and patience to learn what your particular triggers are, so it’s wise to keep a food journal during this period. Here are some foods to look out for:
- Certain fruits (mangoes, apples, apricots, nectarines, cherries, pears and more)
- Dairy products (yogurt, goat's milk and cow's milk)
- Overly processed foods
- Fatty foods
- Fried foods
- Chocolate
- Carbonated drinks
- Alcohol
- Caffeine
- High protein
Some people find a gluten-free diet plan to be especially beneficial too since it eliminates a variety of potential triggers. Another tip is to look for specific tea for IBS which can help reduce symptoms.
Address the Stress in Your Life
Just as diet plays a role in your symptoms, so does stress. The more stress you are under, the more pronounced your symptoms will tend to be. Stress alone can cause flare-ups, even if you're careful about what you eat. Be sure to find ways to address stress healthily such as exercise, relaxation activities, talking to a close friend or family member and reducing the things in life that cause you stress.
Medication Can Also Offer Relief
If it feels like you've tried all of the above-listed tips and still don't have control of your IBS, it's time to speak to your doctor. They may recommend medication that helps to prevent or reduce flare-ups and symptoms.
What If IBS Is Limiting Your Weight Loss or Gain Goals?
Another issue that people with IBS can run into is that it can mess with body recomposition goals. If you are trying to lose or gain weight, gut issues can stand in your way. IBS can lead to constipation and bloating which affects your weight.
On the flip side, it can also cause diarrhoea, which may lead to unwanted weight loss. This is exactly why managing your IBS flare-up and limiting the flare-ups you have is so important. If you reduce the symptoms and flare-ups, you’ll have better control over your weight.
While it’s important to accept the many symptoms IBS can cause, it doesn’t need to be all-consuming. These tips can help you take control of your IBS and give you relief.
