All Natural Ways to Manage IBS

Irritable bowel syndrome is as terrible as it sounds; it causes abdominal discomfort, bloating, and embarrassing gas to pop up whenever you eat something your stomach doesn’t like. Everyone living with IBS experiences different symptoms, but the goal is the same — to get long-term relief from IBS symptoms.

The trick to calming IBS is through simple lifestyle changes — but it’s not always an easy road. You may have to use the trial-and-error method to find precisely what triggers your symptoms. But natural remedies are often very successful in minimizing the impact of IBS on your life.

At Texas Digestive Disease Consultants, Dr. Ilyas Memon is an experienced gastroenterologist who offers natural aids and medical treatments for various digestive issues, including IBS. Dr. Memon provides multiple therapies and remedies to get your gut health on track.

Understanding IBS

Irritable bowel syndrome, or IBS, is a condition that occurs when someone has chronic abdominal pain, bloating, and diarrhea or constipation. Although the symptoms of IBS are highly uncomfortable, they don’t lead to damage in the intestines or increase your risk of cancer.

Different subtypes of IBS occur, including IBS with diarrhea, IBS with constipation, and mixed IBS. The symptoms vary from person to person but often include a mix of any of the following:

• Bloating and gas
• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Abdominal cramping
• Abdominal pain that worsens after eating
• Mucus in the stool
• Fatigue
• Depression and anxiety
• Headaches
• Frequent indigestion

The symptoms you experience depend on the type of IBS you have and the foods that trigger it. Some people also experience food intolerances such as lactose or gluten intolerance.

Stress can also make your symptoms worse, which is hard to avoid when you have IBS. It may sometimes change how you live and your ability to work.

Lifestyle hacks to manage IBS

Although IBS is frustrating, there are ways to manage it through lifestyle changes and natural remedies. Before seeking medical treatment, try the following lifestyle hacks to manage your IBS symptoms:

Stay active

Believe it or not, simply getting regular physical activity helps to calm your stomach down. Regular exercise — even just walking — helps move waste through your intestines and quiets gas and bloating.

Drink plenty of water

Water is excellent for your health and even better for your bowel habits. Drinking plenty of water throughout the day allows your poop to keep moving through your intestines. It will enable it to move smoother out of your body. The water you need depends on many factors, including physical activity, weight, and weather.

Avoid trigger foods

Keep a food diary to determine what foods make your symptoms worse. When you get a good list of foods, try to avoid them to see if your symptoms subside. Typically, processed foods, gluten, and carbonated beverages kickstart IBS symptoms.

Get plenty of sleep

Sleep may not seem to have much to do with gut health, but it’s critical to well-being. Your circadian rhythm, or sleep cycle, has much to do with immunity and gut health. When you don’t get enough sleep, it may trigger worsening IBS symptoms.

Eat a lot of fiber

Fiber, specifically soluble fiber, is a great way to relieve IBS symptoms. This type of fiber adds bulk to your stool, allowing it to move through the gastrointestinal (GI) system faster, reducing IBS symptoms. Examples of soluble fiber include apples, oats, and beans.

Try probiotics

Probiotics are another great option for relieving IBS symptoms. Probiotics are live forms of bacteria that live in the GI tract. Probiotics are good bacteria that aid in digestion and keep your gut healthy.

What foods trigger IBS?

While not everyone is the same when it comes to IBS symptoms and triggers, some foods trigger gas, bloating, and diarrhea. For people with IBS, these foods fall in the FODMAP group.

FODMAP stands for fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols. They are all carbohydrates found in certain foods, fruits, and vegetables that some people are sensitive to.

If you’re living with IBS, it’s essential to avoid foods that are high in FODMAPs. There are a lot of foods on that list, but a few of them include:

• Asparagus
• Garlic
• Onion
• Peas
• Apples
• Cherries
• Peaches
• Plums
• Barley
• Wheat flour
• Soy flour
• Couscous
• Egg noodles
• Wheat noodles
• Cashews
• Pistachios

You should also avoid certain types of dairy, including cream cheese, cow’s milk, and sheep’s milk. Beans, processed meats, and sausages are also high on the FODMAP list.

Changing your diet to include low FODMAP foods and cutting back on higher ones can significantly reduce your IBS symptoms without needing medications or other treatments.

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Memon for acid reflux, call one of our conveniently located offices in Texas or request a consultation using our online booking feature.