Ah, the perennial tummy ache. You might know someone who constantly has stomach problems that happen during inconvenient times - before an interview, while they’re on antibiotics, when eating out. You yourself could have the same problem. Being gassy and having to go to the bathroom constantly could be a sign of something that affects 1 in 5 Australians at some point in their lives.
IBS or irritable Bowel Syndrome is a common, albeit annoying, condition that affects the colon or large bowel. Women are twice more likely to be affected than men. While there are no test to check specifically for IBS, it is still best to consult your doctor to rule out other, more serious, conditions such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease.
Symptoms of IBS include:
- Diarrhoea
- Constipation
- Alternating between constipation and diarrhoea
- Belly cramps or discomfort in the abdomen that can be relieved by passing wind or going to the toilet.
- Bloating
Tips to relieve IBS symptoms
If you have experienced or are experiencing any of these symptoms, here are some ways you can relieve them:
- First of all, go see a doctor! You will likely be tested for gluten intolerance or celiac disease, especially if you have IBS+Diarrhoea. A doctor can prescribe meds that are dedicated to relieve the symptoms for your specific type of IBS, which are: IBS with constipation (IBS-C), IBS with diarrhoea (IBS-D), or mixed IBS (IBS-M).
- Avoid stress. IBS can sometimes be a symptom of other psychological issues like stress, depression, or anxiety. Stress does not cause IBS but is known to worsen its symptoms. So learn how to manage stress and make small, sustainable changes to your lifestyle and diet. Regular exercise and enough sleep solves most health problems and it is best to get enough of those anyway.
- Avoid foods that can exacerbate your IBS symptoms. Foods such as cruciferous vegetables (that would be your cauliflower, cabbage, and broccoli), dairy products, carbonated drinks, gluten (wheat, barley, and rye) and legumes, specifically (and most notoriously) beans may cause gas and belly bloat and could certainly aggravate IBS symptoms. Here are a list of 7 foods that can help calm bloating and relieve you of some of the IBS symptoms. Foods such as ginger, papaya, pineapple, and kiwi are rich in digestive enzymes and fibre and can help support digestive processes. Shop Collagen Peptides or Fruitful Digest which help with IBS Symptoms.
- Don’t skip meals and eat at fairly regular intervals. This tip alone can help regulate bowel functions and ease your IBS symptoms.
- Don’t overeat. Overeating is the most common cause of bloating. Heavy, fat rich meals are harder to digest and can upset the balance of your gut flora. Control your portions and eat slowly. Savour your food.
- Drink plenty of fluids. This is another tip that works generally for most health issues. And even if you don’t have any, it is still a very good idea to stay hydrated. Your body will thank you for it.
