Irritable Bowel Syndrome Diet:
Anyone suffering from Irritable Bowel will know how debilitating it can be, read here for invaluable help and guidance on how to overcome this condition simply by changing your diet.
What is Irritable Bowel Syndrome?
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a chronic (long-term) disorder that affects the digestive system. It causes abdominal pain, diarrhoea and constipation.
There are different types of IBS, depending on your main symptom. It’s known by a variety of other names, including spastic colon, spastic colitis, mucous colitis, nervous diarrhoea, nervous colon and nervous or functional bowel
What are the symptoms with Irritable Bowel Syndrome?
The most common symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) are:
- abdominal pain and cramping which is often relieved by emptying your bowel,
- a change in your bowel habits, such as diarrhoea, constipation or, sometimes, both,
- bloating and swelling of your abdomen,
- excessive wind,
- experiencing an urgent need to go to the toilet, which can result in incontinence if a toilet is not nearby,
- a feeling that you have not fully emptied your bowel, and
- the passing of mucus from your rectum (back passage).
The symptoms of IBS are usually worse after eating which is why your diet is extremely important in conquering this condition, here is some further information is you would like to read it here.
Most people will experience a ‘flare-up’ of symptoms, lasting between 2-4 days, after which the symptoms improve, or disappear altogether.
For reasons that are not completely understood, IBS can also cause symptoms in other parts of your body, as well as in your bowel. These symptoms include:
- lower back pain,
- muscle and joint pain,
- constant tiredness,
- nausea,
- headache,
- burping,
- bad breath, and
- a frequent and urgent need to urinate.
Due to the pain, discomfort and embarrassment that are sometimes associated with IBS, some people also experience feelings of anxiety and depression and this itself can become extremely debilitating so if you are sufferer you must get this invaluable knowledge now if you are ever to conquer the problem.
Why is Diet Important?
Diet forms a key part of dealing with IBS, so you need to ensure you are aware of what foods can make the situation worse – if you are ever going to conquer IBS then you need to face your dietary needs face on.
It is essential you select the right foods and supplements to help conquer your condition:
Is fibre essential in your diet?
Do dairy products make things worse?
Everyone is different and there are some great guides available out there to take a look at which will help you make an informed decision and finally get you back on track.
Some really good guides I can recommend are this one here and another great guide here, both offer numerous dietary plans and provide excellent advice on helping you and your family get rid of IBS and prevent it occurring in the future.
