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Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

Irritable bowel syndrome or IBS affects the digestive or large intestine. IBS is usually a lifelong problem and greatly impacts your regular life. The specific cause of IBS is unknown, but the food that passes through quickly or slowly, oversensitive nerves in the gut, family history, and stress might be reasons behind irritable bowel syndrome. There is no particular cure for IBS, but certain diet changes and medicines can help control the symptoms.

Symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome

  • Bloating
  • Stomach cramps or pain, which gets worse after eating
  • Diarrhea
  • Constipation
  • Changes in bowel movement
  • Changes in frequency of bowel movement

 

Lifestyle changes to do for IBS

  • Consume homemade food with fresh ingredients.
  • Note down what you consume daily and try to avoid the food that triggers your irritable bowel syndrome.
  • Make ways for you to relax
  • Do regular exercise
Symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome

Lifestyle changes not to do for IBS

  • Do not skip your meals
  • Don’t finish your meal quickly
  • Avoid fatty, spicy, or processed food
  • Don’t eat more than three portions of fruit, being a portion is 80 grams
  • Don’t drink more than three cups of coffee or tea
  • Try avoiding fizzy drinks or alcohol

 

How to avoid bloating?

  • Consume oats regularly.
  • Eat one tablespoon of whole or ground linseed a day.
  • Avoid foods like broccoli, cauliflower, beans, onions, dried fruits, and cabbage as they are hard to digest.
  • Avoid consuming products that contain sweeteners

 

How to reduce diarrhea?

  • Cut down on high-fiber foods like brown bread, brown rice, nuts, and seeds.
  • Avoid consuming products that contain sweeteners
  • Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration
  • Consume a lot of soluble fiber like oats, pulses, carrots, peeled potatoes, and linseeds.

 

When to consult a doctor for IBS?

See a doctor if,

  • If you have often change in bowel habits
  • Weight loss
  • Diarrhea at nights
  • Rectal bleeding
  • Anemia, iron deficiency
  • Random vomiting
  • Hard to swallow
  • Persistent pain during passing gas or bowel movements

Reviewed by – Dr. Priyanka, MBBS MD Microbiology
Page last reviewed: 23 JUNE 2022