Irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C) affects everything from diet to social activities.
Living well with IBS-C takes planning to treat the symptoms and prevent them from occurring.
IBS-C is a chronic digestive disorder that leads to constipation, abdominal pain, and other symptoms.
Thana Prasongsin / Getty Images
Thana Prasongsin / Getty Images
1.
Work With a Dietitian
Instead, work with aregistered dietitianwho is knowledgeable about IBS-C.
The cost of seeing a dietitian may or may not be covered under medical insurance.
You may choose to see a dietitian even if you must pay out of pocket.
Restricting the diet too much isnot recommendedbecause it can result in not getting enough of certain vitamins and minerals.
People with active symptoms of IBS-C may want to watch their portion sizes of beans.
For example, one-fourth cup (2 ounces) of chickpeas is considered low-FODMAP.
That said, avoidingfoods that cause gas and bloatingmay also help.
Artificial sweetenerscan trigger symptoms and should be avoided.
This can include saccharin, aspartame, and sorbitol.
They may lead to abdominal bloating and diarrhea.
Stay Hydrated
Drinking enough waterand/or other beverages is important inavoiding constipation.
You need enough water in the colon so the stool is soft and easy to pass.
The amount of water a person needs to drink daily is variable.
Engage in Physical Activity
Regular exercise can help prevent constipation or promote bowel movements.
Even moderate-intensity exercise can be helpful; it does not need to be vigorous.
Choose activities you enjoy so you will be motivated to do them several times a week.
Stress doesn’t cause IBS, yet it can make symptoms worse.
The effect emotional stress has on the brain can be connected to symptoms in the gastrointestinal system.
Meditation,mindfulness, andyogaare relaxation exercises that help manage stress.
People with IBS-C may find that sleeping well is difficult.
This could be due to reasons such as pain and emotional stress.
Part of managing IBS includes dealing with stress and any other psychological aspects, such as anxiety and depression.
Putting asleep hygiene planin place and using relaxation techniques such asdiaphragmatic breathingandmuscle relaxationmay help.
Being aware of where bathrooms are located before going out can take some of the pressure off.
Keeping track can help you find patterns and understand if symptoms are connected to meals.
Prescription medicationsmay be helpful.
Peppermint oilis one of the commonly used supplements for addressing symptoms of IBS.
It is the only supplement that’s included in the American College of Gastroenterology guidelines for treating IBS.
Medication Side Effects
While prescription medications for IBS-C are generally well tolerated, side effects are possible.
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