subject: The impact of Irritable Bowel Syndrome on your daily life [print this page] The impact of Irritable Bowel Syndrome on your daily life
If you have irritable bowel syndrome, or IBS, you know that it can greatly impact your daily life. But there are things you can do to reduce the negative effects to keep it under control and live a normal life.
IBS is considered a functional disorder, and IBS symptoms include abdominal pain, diarrhea and constipation. They can be so disruptive that it can be difficult to go out in public, because you never know when symptoms will appear.
One way to reduce IBS symptoms is to change your diet. Eat more natural foods, like fruits and vegetables. Apples, berries, lettuce and celery and carrots are great choices. Don't eat over processed foods like pizza, or fried foods such as chicken wings, or cheese sticks. Processed foods have many added preservatives and chemicals in them; your body doesn't know how to break down all foreign ingredients, and this could cause you a great amount of discomfort.
Make sure to drink at least six glasses of water a day to keep your digestive system running smoothly. Green tea and peppermint tea are also great for your digestive system and are naturally decaffeinated.
Another way to reduce your IBS symptoms is to get plenty of exercise - at least 20 minutes a day. This helps your whole body, inside and out. A healthy body will be able to heal itself and run smoothly, much better than a body that is overweight and out of shape.
If you are doing all of the above, and still find no relief, you may want to think about an IBS treatment. Your doctor will be able to suggest one that is right for you, based on your exact symptoms and medical history.
Having IBS doesn't mean you need to stop living your life. By incorporating the above tips, you can keep your IBS symptoms under control and may not even need an IBS treatment from your doctor. Start changing your diet slowly and exercise for only 10 minutes a day for the first week so you don't shock your system. You will soon find yourself thinking less and less about your IBS and more about the important things in life.
