Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) does not come with a handbook.
It’s invisible, chronic, and it involves embarrassing physical symptoms you want to reduce.
You’re not alone.
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Exploring varioustreatment optionscan help you manage your symptoms.
Some people with IBS have identified certain food sensitivities or intolerances.
The only way to be sure is to keep afood diaryand then follow anelimination diet.
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A similar risk of excessive restriction can occur if you are following alow-FODMAP diet.
Working with a qualified dietary professional can help you identify the FODMAPs that are problematic for you.
Make fiber your friend.
The best way to increase fiber is to start slowly.
it’s possible for you to increase dietary fiber by ingesting whole grains, fruits, and vegetables.
One caveat is to avoid bran as it may be irritating to your digestive system.
you’re free to also use bulk laxatives.
Don’t be put off by the word “laxative"bulk laxativesare simply fiber supplements.
However, the quality of the healthcare provider-patient relationship may influence how well or poorly you feel.
Sadly, there are healthcare providers out there who don’t have good bedside manners.
Whenever possible, be an educated consumer and choose your healthcare provider carefully.
A common practice is to compulsively check thecolor and appearance of each bowel movement.
The one major exception to this is a concern about blood in the stool.
Anxiety can worsen IBS symptoms.
You may be contributing to unnecessary anxiety by compulsively checking and worrying about stool changes.
Stop Being Embarrassed
Every person on the planet deals with digestive symptoms.
Bowel noises and smells are a part of everyday life.
You are not defined by the fact that you have troublesome intestines.
Don’t worry that other people will judge you based on your symptoms.
If you pass gas, oh well.
Excuse yourself and get on with your day.
The people in your life have an opinion of you based on who you are as a person.
This opinion will not change if they sense noises or odors coming from the bathroom stall.
It also blocks positive social support that has long been associated with better treatment outcomes.
Hiding your IBS is unfair and unnecessary.
As with any personal revelation, assess the trustworthiness of the other person before opening up.
Remember that IBS affects a fairly large portion of the population.
Once you start opening up, you may be surprised to find out who else experiences the condition.
Stop Trying to Be Perfect
Many IBS patients find themselves overcompensating because of their IBS.
Because of missed work or missed family activities, there is a self-imposed pressure to be perfect.
This includes taking on extra responsibility and/or feeling that you’re free to never say no to requests.
Your IBS is not a personal failingit is a health problem, pure and simple.
Therefore, there is no need to “make up” for it.
Listen to your own anxiety level.
Remember, this throw in of anxiety can only exacerbate your symptoms.
Whenever possible, set limits, delegate, and prioritize.
IBS forces you to make your own health and well-being a top priority.
IBS symptoms often result in an inability to make commitments or to follow through on plans.
All you could do is your best.
Social isolation and avoidance of pleasurable and mastery-punch in activities can lead to a depressed mood state.
Look for opportunities and activities that lift your mood and buoy your energy level.
When the time comes to engage in an activity, assess how you are feeling.
If you truly feel that you cannot be far from a bathroom, then by all means cancel.
Finding the right approach or set of strategies may take some time, but hang in there.
DailyMed.Label: FiberCon- calcium polycarbophil tablet.
DailyMed.Label: Citrucel- methylcellulose powder, for solution.
