IBS is an inflammatory disease that is associated with abdominal pain but also other symptoms such as constipation and/or diarrhea. If you suffer from Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), you might find that when your symptoms flare up you are unable to leave the house let alone enjoy yourself while you are out. It’s no fun having to run to the bathroom all the time, or being worried about whether or not you will be able to make it in time.
Although there are medications that can help those with IBS, there are other steps that can be taken in order to better cope with IBS and its symptoms. It might take some work and planning but it is definitely worth it in the long run. Keep reading to discover our nine tips for coping with IBS.
1. Manage your Diet
We have all heard the saying “You are what you eat.” Although this isn’t exactly true, what we eat definitely has an influence on our overall health and this is especially true for those with IBS. It is important to keep a detailed journal of what you are eating and pay attention to which foods lead to you experiencing the above IBS symptoms. So, if you find yourself reeling over in pain anytime you have dairy, for instance, it might be a clear sign that you should stay away from dairy products. This also means being proactive and paying more attention when using boxed ingredients. Potential triggers such as dairy and gluten tend to sneak their way into food products that you would not expect them to be in. It’s also important when eating out to ask your server exactly what is in the dishes you are ordering. Don’t worry about coming off as finicky, they are used to getting asked these questions and it is their job to have the answers.
