Irritable Bowel Syndrome, commonly referred to as IBS, is a gastrointestinal disorder that impacts a person's large intestine. It is characterised by its unique symptoms, which loosely comprise abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhoea, and constipation. While the precise cause of IBS is still not known, it is believed to be related to diet, stress, and other environmental factors.
In the UK, it is estimated that 10-20% of the population suffers from IBS, and women are twice as likely to have the disorder than men. IBS can have a substantial impact on somebody's quality of life, leading to missed workdays, social seclusion, and even depression.
Fortunately, there are several lifestyle changes that people with IBS can make to manage their symptoms and improve their overall health. Here are some tips we suggest to help you manage your IBS:
Identify your trigger foods: Certain foods can trigger IBS symptoms, so it's essential to identify which ones affect you. Keep a detailed food diary to keep track what foods you consume and how you feel afterwards. This can help you identify trigger foods and make necessary changes to your diet.
Eat a balanced diet: Eating a balanced diet with plenty of fibre-rich foods, such as fruits, veggies and whole grains, can help enhance digestion and limit the regularity of constipation. Be sure to drink lots of water every day, too.
Manage stress: Stress is a well-known trigger for IBS symptoms. Practice stress-reducing techniques, such as deep breathing exercises, yoga, or meditation.
Exercise regularly: Regular exercise is known for reducing stress levels and improving digestion. We suggest getting at least half an hour of exercise every day of the week.
Sleep: Getting enough sleep is important to your overall health and can help with the reduction of stress levels. Aim for at least 7-8 hours of sleep per night.
Seek support: Living with IBS can be challenging, so don't hesitate to seek support from friends, family, or a support group.
In conclusion, managing IBS requires a holistic approach that involves making lifestyle changes such as identifying trigger foods, eating a balanced diet, managing stress, exercising regularly, sleeping well, and seeking support when needed. By adopting these habits, you can reduce your symptoms, improve your health and enjoy a better quality of life.
Think you have IBS? While a food elimination exercise is often advised, this can be a lengthy process. Here at Supply Life, we have helped thousands of people with IBS to detect the exact foods that their body is sensitive to in a timely fashion. Head over to our online shop to compare our three different home food intolerance tests.