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How to control IBS with diet modification and exercise
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IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) although non life threatening is a painful condition that affects up to 20 percent of all adults. IBS is often characterized by abnormal intestinal contractions resulting in too much or too little fluid in the bowels.
Symptoms vary greatly from one person to another. Some experience urgent diarrhea soon after waking in the morning or immediately after eating, while others will experience alternating bouts of diarrhea and constipation. Other common symptoms include anxiety, fatigue, headache and depression.
There are no tests to diagnose IBS. Diagnosis is made after colitis, cancer and other diseases that cause similar symptoms have been ruled out and although symptoms may be aggravated by allergies or food intolerance, no specific cause has been established. Symptoms can also be worsened by emotional turmoil and stress, although IBS is not a psychological disorder.
Doctors often prescribe medications to alleviate diarrhea and abnormal muscle contractions, but for most who suffer from IBS, self care, stress management and reduction and dietary modifications are the best type of therapy.
The first step in controlling IBS is to become familiar to the factors that trigger symptoms. Keeping a daily journal that lists all symptoms as well as foods, beverages, medications and stressful events is helpful in being able to pinpoint the culprits.
Dietary Modification
Because not all IBS sufferers have the same symptoms, it is important to develop a regime that can best treat your individual symptoms. To start with, you should avoid any foods that your daily journal suggests may be causing problems, and eat several small meals each day rather than three large meals.
Drinking at least eight glasses of water or other clear fluids each day helps to ensure that there is adequate fluid in the intestinal tract, but beverages that contain potential bowel irritants such as caffeine and alcohol should be avoided.
Most doctors advise patients to avoid fried and other fatty foods as fats are very difficult to digest. Intolerance to dairy products can cause painful IBS like symptoms for some patients. Avoiding dairy products or switching to lactose free alternatives usually takes care of the problem quickly.
Stress
It is common for stress to worsen IBS symptoms, so it is very important to take steps in eliminating as much stress as possible from your daily routine, and moderate daily exercise is an excellent way to reduce stress. Exercise also helps to normalize bowel function if constipation is an issue.
