Backed up in the Bathroom? IBS is no joke.
Backed up in the bathroom? This tough to treat, harder to manage the disease is no joke. Enjoy these tips and tricks for better management of IBS.
Are you sick of feeling backed up, embarrassed of a loud ‘waterfall’ sound while using the john, or rocking a beer belly (though lack of beer consumption)? It might be time to try a lifestyle overhaul, especially if you have IBS.
Affecting nearly ~10% of Americans, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) occurs when certain symptoms – abdominal pain, bloating, cramping, constipation and diarrhea – occur at the same time. Every person affected by IBS struggles with symptom severity and duration differently.
Symptoms occur at least three days a month for at least three months at a time. Constipation and diarrhea might last for months. However, a bowel movement usually helps the gas and bloating go away.
Doctors can diagnose IBS based on symptoms, but like to rule out certain food groups for a chance your pain might be from allergies. Other ways diagnosis occur are through a collection of a stool sample, blood test, or colonoscopy (performed to rule out Crohn’s Disease). Unfortunately, doctors must focus on the relief of symptoms as there is no cure for IBS. Patients are asked to make lifestyle changes before a prescription is written out.
Check out these homeopathic considerations for lessening the lows of IBS:
Trigger Foods. Physicians recommend eliminating certain foods that may trigger stress on key organs such as fried or spicy foods, dairy, caffeine, indigestible sugar and beans. Some of these foods will have different effects on every individual.
Food elimination. Recognizing which foods create what reaction is essential for reducing symptoms in individuals with IBS. It is recommended to practice ‘food elimination’, or taking away certain food groups at a time for a long duration of time to identify which foods might be triggers.
Allergies? It is not uncommon for individuals to have IBS due to food sensitivity, such as gluten or dairy. Try a gluten-free or dairy-free diet to test your allergy sensitivity. It might be your jam! Our pals at Lake Line Wellness Center can assist with allergy testing as well.
Herbs to soothe an upset tummy. Nutraceuticals, like marshmallow root or amino acid L-glutamine help, soothe and nourish the intestinal tract and bowel. You can pick these up at Sanctuary Holistic Kitchen. Ginger, peppermint, chamomile, too.
Stress Impacts IBS. The nervous system controls automatic movement or motility within the digestive system. When an individual is stressed, nerves can be greatly triggered and the digestive system might overreact, especially the colon under pressure. Reducing stressors in everyday life can dramatically relieve symptoms of IBS.
Bulk up on fiber. One way a healthy digestive system functions properly is through the absorption and elimination of toxins within the colon. Fiber can help get IBS patients up to par.
Cease Sulfur. Tell mom you need to avoid Brussel sprouts, broccoli and cabbage due to tummy problems and we’ll back it up. High sulfur foods are proven to trigger IBS symptoms. Perhaps, carrots or green beans for your low-sulfur veggies tonight?
Hydrate, hydrate. How much do you weigh? Split that in half. What’s the number? This is the number of ounces of water you should be intaking a day. If you weigh 200 lbs., you should take in 100 ounces of water a day which will help flush out toxins and keep your organs thriving. If you do not like the taste of water try adding a few drops of essential oils to the water.
Colon hydrotherapy. If you find that your IBS is out of control or your symptoms are severe, colon hydrotherapy might be for you. Cleanse the system, improve digestion and eliminate with ease. Read up on Rock Solid Health Colon Hydrotherapy.
Speak with your local nutritionist for an opinion on IBS health and the reduction of uncomfortable symptoms. You are not alone in this uneasy battle of Irritable Bowel Symptoms and we’re here to help!
