If you have IBS, often known as irritable bowel syndrome, you are aware that sometimes the flare-ups can be unpredictable. Other times, you might come across some triggers that can make your illness worse. The trick is to identify your personal triggers and then stay away from them. To prevent IBS flare-ups, follow these suggestions.
How do you know if you have IBS?
The most common symptoms of IBS are:
- cramping and pain in the abdomen, which can be alleviated by bowel movement
- a modification in your bowel patterns, such as diarrhoea, constipation, or occasionally both
- your stomach feeling bloated and swollen
- too much wind (flatulence)
- occasionally needing to go to the bathroom right away
There may also be other, less typical symptoms, such as:
- not enough energy (lethargy)
- feeling unwell
- heartburn
IBS symptoms can significantly affect a person’s daily life, which can lead to some people experiencing feelings of stress and low mood.
What is the main trigger of IBS?
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a chronic digestive disorder that affects many people. Constipation, diarrhoea, bloating, and stomach cramps are examples of symptoms.
The symptoms of the illness can alter over time, but they are frequently lifelong. IBS can be successfully handled with the correct approaches.
IBS does not significantly endanger your physical well-being or raise your risk of getting cancer or other bowel-related diseases.
IBS’s precise cause is uncertain. Numerous reasons have been put up, but none have been demonstrated to cause IBS.
10 Tips to Avoid IBS Symptoms
These recommendations may help you more effectively manage IBS symptoms, regardless of the kind or frequency of your symptoms:
1. IBS-triggering meals and beverages should be avoided.
Foods that could worsen IBS constipation:
- Processed foods, such as cookies or chips
- Refined grains (think white flour) in breads and cereals
- Dairy products, especially cheese
- High-protein diets
- Carbonated drinks
- Caffeine
- Alcohol
Foods that could worsen IBS diarrhoea:
- Too much insoluble fiber, such as from the skin of fruits and vegetables
- Fried foods
- Dairy foods, especially if you’re lactose intolerant
- Foods with wheat if you’re gluten-sensitive
- Chocolate
- Large meals
- Carbonated drinks
- Caffeine
- Alcohol
2. Eat less processed food.
Processed foods frequently have unidentified or undeclared substances that cause IBS flare-ups.
3. Try the elimination method if you are unsure of what symptoms are being triggered.
List the foods you believe may be contributing to your symptoms. After that, for 12 weeks, cut out one food at a time to see if it affects how you feel.
4.Keep your eating slow.
You run the risk of overeating and air swallowing if you eat too quickly. Your stomach may feel gassy or bloated as a result of this.
5. Make small meals a goal.
Instead of three large meals, eat several smaller ones throughout the day.
6. Increase your intake of soluble fibre rather than insoluble fibre if you suffer from constipation.
With no bloating or diarrhoea, this will assist in easing constipation.
7. To prevent flare-ups, learn how to control your stress and anxiety.
To reduce stress and anxiety, there are numerous things you may do. Consistently work out. Invest time with your loved ones or friends. Exercise yoga or take a soothing bath.
8. Avoid smoking.
Smoking might make your symptoms worse.
9. Try chamomile, ginger, or peppermint tea.
These might help a number of digestive problems.
10. Consult a specialist to further reduce symptoms.
Make an appointment with the specialist in Transform Your Gut – IBS Recovery Clinic in Stockport if your IBS symptoms are difficult to manage. You can schedule an appointment by contacting the clinic here or by calling 07712 620909. Symptoms can also be reduced by medications in addition to lifestyle changes.
What foods help settle IBS?
A great way to prevent IBS flare-ups is to increase the fibre in your diet. Increase your consumption of whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, all of which are high in other nutrients and low in fat. Slowly increase the amount until it feels right to you.