Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS): Causes, symptoms and management!

IRRITABLE BOWEL SYNDROME

Don’t suffer in silence- Healthy belly, healthy life

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common functional Gastrointestinal disorder which includes belly discomfort & changes in bowel habits, either passing loose stools frequently or constipation, without any evidence of underlying damage to the intestines. It causes frequent absence from work & impaired quality of work. Young women are affected 2-3 times more often than men especially those with existing background psychological problems like anxiety, depression, stress & panic attacks.

SYMPTOMS INCLUDE A RANGE OF MOTILITY DISORDERS FROM DIARRHEA TO CONSTIPATION.

It presents as

• Abdominal pain:

Recurrent colicky pain in the lower abdomen which is relieved by passing stool but may not fully relieve it. Pain increases after meals.

• Abdominal Bloating that worsens throughout the day

• Abnormal bowel habit:

Alternating constipation with loose stools or Diarrhea. Some people have predominantly constipation or predominantly diarrhea. The constipated type tends to pass infrequent pellet stools with a cramping pain in the lower abdomen. Those with diarrhea have loose stools in small volumes, with white discharge in the stools.

• Feeling of incomplete emptying of the bowel after passing stool once.

• Post meal urgency:

The need to use a restroom in a hurry after meals. other symptoms include heartburn, nausea, backache, pain during sexual intercourse

IBS does not cause any permanent or irreversible damage to the guts. The only complication of is the impaired quality of life.

ALARMING SYMPTOMS IF PRESENT SHOULD BE EVALUATED BY A SPECIALIST

• Reduced appetite and weight loss
• Fever
• Blood in stools
• Disturbed sleep or insomnia

IBS & LIFESTYLE- YOU ARE IN CONTROL, BEAT IBS

Irritable bowel syndrome can be a challenge to live with. It is a long-term condition which requires psychological support & recommended dietary changes. Adopt a healthy lifestyle to best deal with the symptoms and extend the time between episodes. Careful attention should be given to diet, exercise & stress management.

  DIETARY MEASURES:

• FIBER SUPPLEMENTATION:

High fiber foods include fresh fruits (raspberries, apples, and peas), fresh vegetables (carrots, leafy greens), wheat bran and whole grain cereals. It improves symptoms of constipation & diarrhea. JUDICIOUS WATER INTAKE:

Water intake helps people with constipation predominantly.

•  AVOID COFFEE/CAFFEINE, CARBONATED DRINKS & ALCOHOL:

It may limit anxiety & symptom exacerbation.

• AVOID LEGUMES, CABBAGE, and CAULIFLOWER, BEANS:

It causes bloating and gaseous distention.

• AVOID REFINED & PACKAGED ITEMS LIKE CHIPS & COOKIES
• AVOID FRIED & FATTY FOODS

• QUIT SMOKING
• EXERCISE:

Physical activity lowers IBS symptoms. Swimming, cycling, walking, it improves the quality of life, reduces stress and improves social life.

• AVOID STRESSFUL CONDITIONS AND LEARN TO RELAX:

Incorporate relaxation techniques such as yoga.

 

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My22BMI is a digital healthcare startup addressing the problem of managing lifestyle diseases through personalised diet plans. My22BMI empower lives to eat healthy and smartly and believe food should be your first medicine. The expert health coaches provide personalised diet plans for heart health, gut health, skin & hair health, weight management, mother & child nutrition and hormonal health. Download our Android app from the Google playstore.