Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a condition that causes a range of symptoms from flatulence to diarrhea. IBS self help treatments should not be used instead of medical advice, but can reduce the symptoms of the condition and make it more manageable. Some of the best strategies for IBS self help include eating a diet that’s high in fiber, cutting down on stress and altering diet in order to reduce the intake of “trigger” foods. It’s important for someone with IBS to keep in mind that everyone has different symptoms — some people suffer from diarrhea while some suffer from constipation — so not all treatments will be effective.
Although many people overlook fiber supplements, they can help relieve some of the symptoms of IBS. For example, the pills can reduce the chance of getting diarrhea. Conversely, fiber helps to soften a person’s stool and can help with constipation. For this reason taking fiber tablets is often a good idea for most people who suffer from IBS, but it may be a good idea to discuss it with a doctor first.
Stress is one of the most common “triggers” of IBS symptoms, though many people with the condition don’t realize this. Some causes of stress may be unavoidable, but a sufferer of IBS can usually reduce the amount of stress in his or her life. Having a stressful life can cause IBS symptoms to get worse, which then causes more stress and a vicious cycle. For this reason, staying as relaxed as possible is essential for effective IBS self help.
If a person with IBS suffers from diarrhea, there are several self help treatments that could make a difference. Firstly, spicy foods such as curry can make diarrhea worse, so such foods may be best avoided if possible. Alcohol and coffee can often have the same effect. Calcium supplements are sometimes known to help with diarrhea, and there are many over-the-counter drugs that can help.
A person’s diet is a big part of IBS self help treatment. The wrong diet can exacerbate the symptoms, while the correct one can reduce its effect on everyday life. A common technique for IBS self help is to keep a record of all the food that a person has eaten along with when IBS flare ups happen, as this can help the patient work out which foods to avoid. For expert advice, a patient should talk to a nutritionist.
