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IBS Facts and Advice – How to Cope with IBS
IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) seems to be an increasing common condition, especially for people between 25 and 50, and also especially for women. Although the cause of IBS is still unknown, there are some common triggers, such as stress, irregular meals and lack of dietary fibre. For some people IBS first develops after a gut infection or a case food poisoning. Once developed, it seems hard to cure completely.
The main symptoms of IBS are abdominal cramps, which are sometimes eased by passing wind or going to the toilet; bloating; diarrhoea, constipation, or alternating diarrhoea and constipation; and a feeling of incomplete emptying of the bowels. In addition to upset stomach, many people also suffer from backache, headaches, lethargy, aching limbs (especially legs) and urinary or gynaecological symptoms.
There are no official medical treatments for IBS. However, there are some home remedies that can help. Peppermint oil and antispasmodic medication relieve abdominal pain. Anti-diarrhoea medication will stop diarrhoea, although it should only be taken in extreme circumstances. If constipation is a problem then increasing fluid, fibre, activity, as well as taking a gentle laxative can all help.
Preventing and Managing IBS
Some people with IBS find that increasing the amount of dietary fibre and reducing caffeine helps. Reducing stress and taking time to relax is important. Complementary therapies, such as acupuncture, are often used. If you are suffering from IBS, it is recommended that at first all refined sugars and flour is removed from the diet. Do not eat white bread, cakes, biscuits, pastries (these are often quick to cause IBS symptoms). Also avoid white rice, pasta, and noodles, all of which can trigger IBS. Eat more simple vegetable based meals, leafy salads and fresh fruits. If you must eat bread or pasta, always eat wholemeal varieties.
Some people fear that IBS can develop into bowel cancer. This is simply not true. A poor diet high in processed meats can lead to bowel cancer, and this type of diet could lead to IBS in some people. but IBS itself does not cause cancer, as far as current research suggests.
IBS Help and Advice
Advice and support for IBS sufferers can be found at The Gut Trust. Helpline: 0114 272 3253, Website: The Gut Trust. Also the charity, Core, provide more information and advice; Core, Tel: 020 7486 0341, Website: www.corecharity.org.uk.
Generally IBS can be managed through careful diet planning and exercise. By providing the body with regular meals and regular exercise, a routine can be developed which helps to overcome the problems associated with IBS. If you wish to try to overcome your IBS, then the best way to start is the keep a food / IBS diary. Note your meals each day, and also the symptoms (including times). Whenever symptoms worsen, cut out the foods that were eaten beforehand. Eventually problem foods can be recognised and removed permanently from your diet. This may not work for all, but it can help.
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