Tackle Your Irritable Bowel During IBS Awareness Month

Did you know that more than 12 percent of people in the United States have Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)? IBS is a common gastrointestinal disorder affecting millions of individuals in the US and across the globe. If you suffer from IBS, you are not alone. That is why the month of April is IBS Awareness Month.

Throughout April focus your attention on spreading awareness and highlighting the importance of learning about the symptoms of IBS, how to treat it, and how to manage it. Those with IBS might be unaware that the symptoms they are experiencing are consistent with the disease. Symptoms can often get confused with other gastrointestinal disorders, which makes it difficult to diagnose and treat. Common symptoms include abdominal pain and discomfort, changes in bowel movements, diarrhea, constipation, gas, and bloating.

What Are the Types of IBS?

There are 3 main types of IBS, based on abnormal bowel movements and abdominal pain.

IBS -C (IBS with constipation): Those with IBS-C experience stomach pain and discomfort along with infrequent bowel movements, or lumpy/hard stools.

IBS -D (IBS with diarrhea): This type of IBS comes with stomach pain and discomfort, along with abnormally frequent trips to the bathroom and loose/watery stools.

IBS with mixed bowel habits- Those with mixed IBS experience abdominal pain, along with both constipation and diarrhea.

Treatment and Management of IBS

Although many people suffer from IBS, there isn’t a cure. However, the great news is that IBS can be managed, although treatment varies. Medication is frequently prescribed to help manage symptoms. Probiotic supplements, which are live organisms helping to promote a healthy gut, may also be prescribed. Diet and lifestyle changes can help relieve common symptoms and help those with IBS live a more joyful life.

Tips to Treatment and Management:

Keep a record:Keep track of your symptoms by writing them down. Writing down the foods you eat and the feelings you feel immediately following a meal will help you discover foods that trigger IBS symptoms.

Hydrate: Drinking water and staying hydrated is important to ensure healthy bowel movements.

Add fiber:Fiber helps with digestion and will bulk up your stools. Sources of fiber include fruits, vegetables, nuts, and whole grains.

Exercise: Regular exercise can help alleviate IBS symptoms. Exercising following a meal can help aid in digestion, even something as simple as a walk.

Avoid caffeine:This includes soda, coffee, and tea. Caffeine can exacerbate symptoms of IBS. Try fruit-infused water or decaf options.

Aim for smaller meals:Having smaller meals throughout the day may help with IBS symptoms. Instead of 3 big meals, try 5-6 smaller meals daily.

As a registered dietitian nutritionist, I deal with many patients suffering from different forms of IBS. Over the years, I have seen great success in treating IBS using the Low FODMAP Meal Planning approach.

What is Low FODMAP?

FODMAP is an acronym that stands for Fermentable Oligosaccharides, Disaccharides, Monosaccharides, and Polyols.

These are different types of carbohydrates that are resistant to digestion and get fermented in the gut causing irritation. The fermented carbohydrates cause the symptoms of IBS such as gas, bloating, diarrhea, and constipation. Success comes from eliminating these carbs in the diet, alleviating symptoms, and then systematically adding them back in via challenges to see which particular foods trigger your symptoms.

IBS is common, however, with proper management and treatment, you can live a symptom-free life.

Your Turn to Action: Contact me HERE if you’d like to learn more about how I can help you manage your IBS symptoms.