3 Tips for living with IBS

IBS is an umbrella term used to categorize a variety of digestive issues and their symptoms, from bloating, gas, and stomach aches all the way to diarrhea and constipation. Often these are collectively referred to as “abdominal discomfort.”

At Intoleran, we prefer to simply call them painful.

Whatever your symptoms may be, here are three tips to help you reduce the pain and restore a sense of peace and comfort to your daily life again.

1. Find your “trigger” foods

There are many different foods that can trigger an IBS reaction. While it’s hard to list them all, chances are your system is only sensitive to some of them.

With that in mind, it’s a good idea to invest in discovering which “trigger” foods are the worst for you. Do you feel bad when you have artificial sweeteners? What about beans? Sauerkraut?

The FODMAP diet is a good way to narrow down your options. It shows you how you react to many of the major food groups and can give you the insights you need to adjust your diet.

2. Practice relaxing techniques

Everyone feels stressed sometimes. When you have IBS, though, your stress can have a greater impact on your quality of life.

Stress can trigger a reaction, leading to bloating, gas, diarrhea, you name it. The worst part? This doesn’t even have to be in connection with eating trigger foods.

If you want to beat your IBS symptoms, you need to find ways to relax. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Step out: Whatever stressful situation you’re in, consider stepping aside. Even a few minutes can help you cool down and relax.
• Go for a walk: Exercise releases endorphins and can elevate your mood.
• Get some perspective: From meditation to simply taking a step back, mentally speaking, getting some perspective is a powerful way to destress.

Figure out which of the coping mechanisms listed above work best for you. Then begin practicing them every time you start to feel that chronic stress creeping in.

Managing IBS on a daily basis

IBS can be a bothersome and painful daily struggle. It can show up at any time and can be triggered by multiple events.

It’s important to have coping mechanisms in place to minimize the impact of IBS on your life. From knowing trigger foods to effective destressing techniques to using supplements, make sure you have the tools in place to help you successfully manage IBS and live your best life each and every day.

If you want personalized help you can always contact one of our dietitians.