5 Tips for Dealing With IBS
Do you or a loved one struggle with IBS? Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common disorder that affects the large intestine (colon). IBS symptoms are abdominal pain, cramping, bloating, and changes in bowel habits. The symptoms of IBS can be mild to severe, and they can come and go over time.
In this blog, we’re going to chat about what triggers IBS flare-ups and answer a common question: how long does an IBS flare-up last? Then, we’ll give you five tips to help you avoid flare-ups to begin with. Let’s jump in.
What Triggers IBS Flare-Ups & How Long Does an IBS Flare-Up Last?
There are many things that can trigger IBS flare-ups, including diet (like food intolerances), general stress, hormonal changes, taking certain medications (like antibiotics or antidepressants), illnesses like stomach bugs, travel, and lifestyle changes that cause lots of stress.
When it comes to how long a flare-up will last, this can vary from person to person. Some people may only experience mild symptoms for a short period of time, while others may experience severe symptoms for a longer period of time. There is no way to predict how long an IBS flare-up will last; however, common lengths for flare-ups are 2-4 days.
Five Tips to Help You Deal With IBS Symptoms:
Tip #1: Reduce Stress
Stress is a major trigger for IBS symptoms. When you're stressed, your body releases hormones that can cause your digestive system to go haywire. This can lead to a variety of IBS symptoms, such as diarrhea, constipation, bloating, and gas.
There are a number of things you can do to reduce stress, such as exercising (you’ll see this tip later on), getting enough sleep (also a later tip), practicing relaxation techniques like meditation and yoga, spending time with loved ones, and avoiding caffeine and alcohol.
Tip #2: Eat a Healthy Diet
Eating a healthy diet is important in managing your IBS symptoms, too. Since your bowels are regularly irritated, you may have trouble absorbing the same nutrients that others can, easily. By focusing on foods with a high nutrient density (like fruits and vegetables), you can ensure your body stays as healthy as possible, regardless of your condition.
Tip #5: Get Regular Exercise
Getting regular exercise not only helps you reduce your stress but it also can keep your bowels moving and regular. The motion of exercise can help you create a routine for your body that staves off constipation attacks.
Tip #4: Keep a Food Diary
As our sister clinic, Tampa Bay Colorectal, has discussed previously, keeping a food diary is a great way to keep track of your IBS symptoms and triggers. Not only will a food diary provide you with information about your condition but it can also serve as evidence for your colorectal specialist.
Tip #5: Get Enough Sleep
As we mentioned above, getting enough sleep is important in helping your body reduce stress. But, it can also help with your overall well-being – including boosting your immune system and helping you digest your food properly. Try to get 7-8 hours of minimally-interrupted sleep at night, and, most importantly, make sure that those 7-8 hours happen roughly around the same time each night.
Bonus Tip: Know When to See a Doctor
If your IBS symptoms are severe or interfere with your daily life, don’t hesitate to see a doctor; we know that talking about bowel issues isn’t the most fun doctor’s office topic. However, our colorectal specialists can talk to you about your symptoms, discuss what you’ve tried, and help you develop a treatment plan that works for you.
So, if you’re struggling with IBS, get in touch with our team of colorectal specialists.