Irritable bowel syndrome, or IBS, is a functional disorder concerning the intestines, particularly the large intestine. Irritable bowel syndrome sufferers seem to have a disturbance in how the brain, the intestines, and the nervous system communicate.
What that means is that somehow or the other, the bowels just do not seem to work the way they should.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome Symptoms
Irritable bowel syndrome sufferers often experience a variety of symptoms, including abdominal pains, bloating, stomach cramps, loose or frequent bowel movements (diarrhea), and/or constipation.
The causes of Irritable bowel syndrome are poorly understood and remain unknown, but for the most part, we do know what makes Irritable bowel syndrome worse. For instance, we know that Irritable bowel syndrome symptoms tend to be worsened by stress and diet.
A few lifestyle changes in these departments will go a long way in alleviating the symptoms involved.
Fiber
The most significant change you will have to make concerns your diet. The food items you eat have a direct bearing on how bad the symptoms will be. If you are suffering from diarrhea or constipation, for instance, fiber is a must for you.
Fiber does wonders for both constipation and diarrhea. Fiber bulks it up and gives it more consistency, if your stool is loose and excessively moist, while if your stool is dry and hard fiber softens it and makes it easier to pass.
Fiber is best derived from natural sources such as fruit and vegetables. If you are an Irritable bowel syndrome sufferer and do not eat fruits and vegetables, you are making your life so much harder for yourself!
Fruits like apples, peaches, bananas, oranges, and pineapples are excellent choices; so are vegetables like broccoli, cabbage, and certain varieties of beans. Legumes like peanuts and groundnut are helpful.
Whole wheat products are also recommended. Wheat bread, oatmeal, oat bran, and brown rice will help you reach your daily fiber intake.
The daily recommended intake for men is 38 grams for those 50 and younger, and 30 grams for those 51 and older. The daily recommended intake for women is 25 grams for ages 50 and younger, and 21 grams for those 51 and older.
Fiber Supplements
If you do not consume the aforementioned food items regularly, a fiber supplement can be a great help. Be careful though. If you decide to use a supplement, do not start with an abnormally high dosage off the bat
As you are introducing an impalnce, you might create physical problems that way, since you are introducing an imbalance. The smaller dosage and gradually working your way up to the recommended amounts is the best way to start.
This will give your body time to adjust to the supplement, and therefore avoid any unpleasant side effects. Do not forget to drink lots of water whenever you use fiber supplements; fiber does not work too effectively without it.
Calcium supplements and magnesium supplements can also be helpful for Irritable bowel syndrome sufferers. Calcium slows down bowel movement and can therefore give relief to diarrhea, while magnesium increases bowel movement and can therefore help people suffering from constipation.
Laxatives can also be used to relieve diarrhea. Laxatives are more of a short-term irritable bowel syndrome treatment than a long-term treatment. They are not designed to be used regularly
The laxative is entirely possible for your body to become dependent on them. This might cause unpleasant side effects and you want to avoid that.
Related Posts
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- IBS Teas
- FODMAP Diet
- IBS Cure With Fiber
- IBS Lactose Intolerance
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome – Diet Relationship
- IBS Foods To Be Avoided During Colon Cleansing
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