Are you struggling with the symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)? You are not alone. Millions of people around the world suffer from this common condition, and it's time to raise awareness during IBS Awareness Month.
What are the typical complaints?[1,2]
IBS symptoms can have a serious impact on daily life, including:
1. Pain and cramping in the abdomen
2. Urgent need to empty bowels
3. Diarrhea, constipation, or both
4. Bloating and swelling of the stomach
5. Excessive flatulence
6. Mucus in stool
7. Aggravation during stress.
Please tell why does this happen?[1,3]
These symptoms can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
1. Dysmotility: Problems with how your GI muscles contract and move food through the GI tract.
2. Visceral hypersensitivity: Sensitivity of nerves in the GI tract.
3. Brain-gut dysfunction: Disconnect between nerves in the brain and gut.
Diagnosis of IBS is based on symptoms, medical and family history, physical examination, and blood and stool tests.
What to do?[3,4]
The Good News is that there are several ways to manage IBS symptoms, including:
1. Drinking an adequate amount of water
2. Avoiding caffeine
3. Limiting milk and its products
4. Trying the low FODMAP* diet
5. Avoid food & situations which trigger IBS symptoms
6. Exercising regularly
7. Managing your stress levels
The bottom line:
Let's raise awareness and support each other during IBS Awareness Month. Share this message with your friends and family and take steps to manage your own IBS symptoms. With your help, we can make a difference!
*FODMAP stands for "fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols." These are all types of sugars that are poorly absorbed by the small intestine like High-lactose dairy,
Beans, Soy,Wheat, Apples etc.
References
1 https://rb.gy/2iqk
2 https://rb.gy/gj8c
3 https://rb.gy/3wwv
4 https://rb.gy/cdu6
