IBS is a shorthand for c. This is a condition that commonly affects the digestive tract. People can end up having to live with it for the rest of their lives and this can lead to many problems. IBS patients tend to have symptoms like stomach cramps and bloating. They may also experience diarrhoea, constipation, or diarrhea. IBS is not curable, but lifestyle changes, dietary changes and certain medications can reduce symptoms.
What you can do to help relieve symptoms
- Use fresh ingredients whenever possible when cooking at home.
- Track what you eat to find out which foods irritate your stomach most. You can avoid the foods that cause you to have an upset stomach.
- Relax and try to stay calm.
- Probiotics can be used for about a month to determine if they are effective.
- Exercise regularly.
Avoid these mistakes
- Do not skip meals or eat randomly throughout the day.
- Avoid eating your meal too fast.
- Avoid eating spicy, fatty or processed foods.
- Eat no more than three portions of fruit per day.
- Avoid drinking more than three cups of coffee or tea per day.
- Avoid fizzy drinks, and consume as little alcohol possible.
How to relieve cramps and bloating
Regularly eating oats, avoiding hard-to-digest foods (e.g. Avoiding products that contain sweetener (sorbitol) and eating up 1 tablespoon of linseeds per day are all good options. Ask your pharmacist if there are any other medications which can relieve these symptoms. They may prescribe buscopna oil or peppermint.
Constipation relief
Constipation can be relieved by drinking as much water as possible. This will make your poo softer. You can reduce constipation by eating foods high in soluble fiber, such as oats and carrots. Ask your pharmacist if there are any medications that can help relieve constipation.
When should you see a GP?
If you are feeling that your medication or any changes to your daily life is not working, you should consult your GP. You should see your GP if you feel you have to avoid a lot of foods in order to ease your IBS. Consider consulting a digestive specialist with their expertise. Mr Andrew Clarke is a private colorectal specialist. This specialist can make suggestions or suggest alternative ways to alleviate symptoms and pain.
