Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a condition that affects your gastrointestinal tract and is characterized by bloating, constipation and diarrhea. If you experience any symptoms of the disorder, you should seek help from the best GI doctors who can help your digestive system. If left untreated, IBS can affect your mood and quality of life.
Common symptoms of the condition include:
- Flatulence
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal pain
- Changes in bowel movements
- Adjust your diet
If you experience IBS symptoms, you must pay attention to the foods you consume. Since constipation is one of the main symptoms of IBS, you need to increase your water intake and soluble fiber intake. By doing so, you soften your stool, making excretion easier.
Your diet should include foods that do not encourage bloating or flatulence. With the help of your specialist, you can identify the type of carbohydrates to consume and which ones to avoid. Consider eating foods rich in soluble fiber, like apples, sweet potatoes, and avocados.
- Keep a food diary
Recording what you eat daily can help identify which foods worsen your IBS symptoms. While common culprits include spicy foods, broccoli, beans, and cabbage, food triggers can differ among individuals. Keeping a food diary will help you avoid triggers and alleviate the symptoms.
- Get adequate exercise and sleep
Regular exercise reduces inflammatory effects on your body. When you incorporate a regular exercise regimen into your routine, you stimulate your body, including the intestines, to contract and relax appropriately, promoting better digestion. You can include both aerobic and strength-training exercises.
Getting enough sleep will help your body recover from daily tasks and habits. During sleep, your body is at rest, which allows it to re energize before you wake. The rest gives your digestive system time before consuming another meal. Aim for at least 7-8 hours of sleep so that you can wake up feeling refreshed.
- Manage your stress
Your stress levels can affect the communication between your brain and digestive system. When your body is stressed and exhausted, it fails to perform routine tasks leading to poor performance. You can try different relaxation techniques to help you cope better with stressful events.
Your specialist may recommend dealing with your problems or seeking professional help. Other techniques include meditation and deep breathing.
- Consider IBS medications
In special cases where you cannot alleviate your symptoms by eating recommended foods, your doctor can suggest certain supplements to help. Such medications include fiber supplements, laxatives, and anticholinergic medications which help relieve pain from bowel spasms.
When to see a doctor
While you might experience an upset stomach from time to time, sometimes, your symptoms can frequently occur with intensity. For example, if you experience recurrent constipation, diarrhea, and abdominal cramps, it might be time to visit your doctor for Irritable bowel syndrome testing.
If you have persistent symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, like diarrhea and constipation, visit GastroDoxs for treatment. The available doctors will evaluate your symptoms and gastrointestinal tract before giving you an individualized treatment plan. Call or book your appointment online today.
