Irritable bowel syndrome is a relatively common health condition that frustrates those who suffer from it not only because of the painful symptoms but also because of the lack of a clear remedy. People with IBS may have similar symptoms, or they may not, and their condition can flare up for many different reasons. This makes it difficult to pin down and find a blanket solution. However, there are a few strategies you can use to preempt and deal with symptoms.
Identify Triggering Foods
Not everyone with IBS needs to avoid the same foods. What might be safe for you could cause a serious flare-up for someone else. This is why you should take note of any foods that you know to avoid from previous experience. As you go through your normal life, keep track of what causes digestive discomfort by paying attention to what you eat in a day and how your body reacts. Spare your future self the pain by noting down what caused the flare-up and steering clear of it.
Maintain Good Nutrition
IBS can feel like it controls your diet and restricts what you can eat. Just because there may be foods that trigger your symptoms doesn’t mean you should forego important nutrition. There are plenty of ways to add extra vitamins and minerals into your diet without introducing food that could cause a flare-up. You could try sea moss supplements from Organic Relief or multivitamins to ensure that you boost your digestive system. Of course, it is always recommended to get your nutrients directly from fresh ingredients, but this sometimes isn’t possible with IBS. Dietary supplements are a practical shortcut that will provide what you need without causing pain.
Stay Away from Particularly Volatile Food and Drink
Although IBS can be triggered by different foods for different people, there are a few that almost everyone with IBS can agree on. In general, anything in excess is likely to cause discomfort, especially alcohol, carbonated drinks, spicy food, and anything highly processed or fatty. Fortunately, cutting these items from your diet will not only help your IBS but also improve your overall health.
Listen to Your Gut
The better you know your own body, the healthier you will be. This includes knowing how to pay attention to your gut and what it needs from you. Some people don’t discover that they have IBS despite having endured the pain for years. Trust that you can tell what feels right for your body, and talk to your doctor if you have any concerns.
Continue to Live Your Life
Don’t let IBS control your whole lifestyle. While it may be necessary to make slight adjustments and accommodations to your routine, IBS shouldn’t prevent you from meeting up with friends or trying out new activities.
It’s understandable that living with IBS can feel like a chore. It’s a condition that isn’t always predictable, and this causes as much mental irritation as it does physical. Despite the fact that there isn’t a straightforward cure, you can treat the symptoms and keep them at bay with a few lifestyle improvements.