subject: How to Control Irritable Bowel Syndrome [print this page] Author: Brad Smith Author: Brad Smith
There are many, many people out there afflicted with Irritable Bowel Syndrome, a condition with no known cause characterized by abnormal bowel movements, including constipation and diarrhea, as well as severe stomach pain. Sometimes it can be mild, cropping up only sporadically or when you eat certain foods, or it can be life altering, occurring consistently throughout the day and having a negative impact on your day to day activities. Thankfully, there are several ways to control your symptoms and help ease the pain and suffering associated with this irritating condition. Contrary to popular belief, the foods you eat do not cause irritable bowel syndrome, though they could certainly contribute to the symptoms. Common culprits include spicy foods, caffeinated beverages, beans and lentils, and dairy. An adverse reaction to dairy might also indicate an intolerance to lactose. If you absolutely must have dairy in your diet, there are several substitutes that can be consumed instead, as well as pills that can help you digest lactose much easier. The best way to determine if any of these foods are contributing to your symptoms is to gradually eliminate one per week and see if your symptoms subside. Before eliminating or adding anything to your diet, it is always best to discuss a diet plan with your doctor. Eat smaller meals and eat slowly. Eating smaller meals is not only the recommended way to lose and control your weight, it, along with eating them slowly, is a great way to reduce the amount of pressure being placed on your stomach and the rest of your gastrointestinal tract. Excess pressure could lead to extreme discomfort and pain, and depending on what you eat (such as fatty foods), could lead to severe diarrhea, constipation, or both. When you do eat, you should be sure to eat a balanced diet consisting of plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, as well as proteins and the right amounts of healthy fats. This not only can help keep the IBS in check, but it can help you retain necessary vitamins and minerals that might be lost during extreme bouts of diarrhea. Diarrhea can also lead to dehydration, so it is recommended that you consume plenty of water throughout the day. Not only will it help you feel better, but it will stave off cravings for unhealthy foods or sugary and caffeinated drinks that can lead to a worsening of IBS symptoms. A diagnosis of IBS is no reason to be worried. By following the aforementioned tips, and by consulting with your doctor and figuring out a healthy diet and exercise plan, your stomach worries will become a thing of the past.About the Author:
