Bloggeron

One factor that is said to exacerbate IBS is the pace of life today. If you’re feeling bloated there is a great temptation to skip a meal. The theory being that the less you eat the less trouble your bowel will give you. Also when you are feeling bloated you don’t feel like eating anyway because you know the pain will worse after you have eaten, even if you are hungry at the time. Unfortunately this approach makes things worse for you. If you allow your hunger to build up and you eat a big meal, then your digestive system will suddenly be hit with a lot of food to cope with. So a good rule of thumb is try and eat regularly. This particularly means breakfast. If you currently skip breakfast, slowly introduce something like a piece of fruit, live culture yoghurt. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day as it kick starts your digestive system after sleep. Eat all your meals slowly, sitting down and without one eye on the clock.

Some people find that increasing their fibre intakes helps ease their symptoms of IBS. These days there are a lot of books available on the subject of fibre or you can find out more information on the internet.

Some people find that certain foods trigger an IBS episode. Dairy products are regarded as a common culprit here. The findings indicate a percentage of IBS sufferers find relief in their symptoms if they cut out trigger foods from their diet. However, before you eliminate foods from your diet check with your dietician what food alternatives you can take to replace the vitamins and minerals that you’ll now be missing out on.

It may be tempting to try because you are in pain, but you should avoid drugs that have a laxative effect. Remember the idea here is to go with a natural approach. This also does not mean that you should eat spicy food just to have a bowel movement. Some IBS sufferers find that spices makes their symptoms worse. However, if spices do not make your IBS symptoms worse and you like spicy food then there is growing evidence of the health benefits of spice, for example increasing your metabolic rate.

Try to make your daily life physically healthier. For example go for a half hour walk three times a week. If you need seven hours sleep, then do what you can to get seven hours sleep. You need to listen to what your body is telling you.

The last point to make is to try and reduce the stresses in your life. This is easier said than done, I know. But if you can find time to listen to soothing music or read an uplifting book, then do it. Take time out for you per day.