Rule out other disorders.
Don’t assume that your symptoms are due to IBS unless your doctor has told you so. You need to get a thorough medical workup to rule out other, more serious conditions, including Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, celiac disease, and colorectal cancer. Even if you’ve had a diagnosis of IBS, be sure to go back to your doctor if your symptoms change or worsen.
Talk with your doctor about medications.
Talk with your doctor about medications.
The first line of treatment for IBS is typically diet and lifestyle changes. But if you can’t get your symptoms under control, and if the pain and other symptoms are affecting your life, ask your doctor about medications that have been approved for IBS. There are a variety of possible medications, including antispasmodics, antidiarrheals, and antidepressants. Yes, antidepressants — because they seem to modulate intestinal pain and regulate gut function. Many antidepressants regulate the neurotransmitter serotonin and — surprisingly — 95 percent of serotonin is found in your gut, where it helps maintain smooth, regular contractions of the intestines. Some scientists believe that in people with IBS, the intestines aren’t getting enough serotonin. More research needs to be done before antidepressants are a first-line treatment, but if you’ve tried everything else, you may want to discuss this possibility with your physician.
Don’t self-medicate without guidance
Don’t self-medicate without guidance.
You may be tempted to take control of IBS by stocking up on over-the-counter laxatives or antidiarrhea medication. Don’t do it unless you get the go-ahead from your doctor. IBS is a chronic disorder, and over-the-counter medication is a short-term fix. Laxatives in particular can be hard on the intestines if used inappropriately. If you find yourself relying on OTC meds, talk with your doctor to find a better solution.
Maintain healthy Eating Patterns
Maintain healthy eating patterns.
Eating quickly can wreak havoc on digestion. Instead, try to eat small meals regularly throughout the day to get your body used to a schedule. Try to eat at about the same time each day, and never overload your stomach. Slow down your eating pace during mealtime: Sit, relax, and take time to chew your food. Try to avoid on-the-run (or over-the-kitchen-sink) eating. Think of these healthy habits as time invested in training your digestive system to behave
Put a lid on stress
Put a lid on stress.
Stress can trigger a variety of physiologic responses, including changes in the way our gastrointestinal systems function — and for people with IBS, these changes can be extreme. To control stress, try massage, yoga, and meditation, and even some simple deep breathing: Put one hand over your diaphragm, just under your ribs, and take a deep breath. As you breathe in, focus on letting your diaphragm push your hand out, expanding your abdomen. Exhale naturally, and notice how your hand gently falls as the air leaves your lungs. You can also try taking quiet time for yourself — a half hour to read or take a bubble bath — to give your mind and body a much-needed break. But if stress has gotten out of control, you might want to consider a short course of counseling with a therapist to help you learn how to change the way you respond to the stressful events in your life.
Make exercise a daily prescription
Make exercise a daily prescription.
Exercise is important for two main reasons: First, exercise is a great stress reliever. Dozens of studies have shown that no matter what the cause of stress is, no matter what symptoms the stress causes, regular moderate exercise can help make you feel better. Second, exercise is critically important for the proper functioning of the gastrointestinal system. If your body is sluggish, your stomach will follow suit; if your body is fit and active, your stomach will be healthier and better regulated. For example, in a 2011 study, IBS sufferers who were counseled to exercise for 20 to 30 minutes, three to five days a week, saw a dramatic improvement in abdominal pain, stool problems, and other symptoms. If you don’t already exercise, you may want to consider walking at a moderate pace every day for 30 minutes.
Rule out other disorders.
Don’t assume that your symptoms are due to IBS unless your doctor has told you so. You need to get a thorough medical workup to rule out other, more serious conditions, including Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, celiac disease, and colorectal cancer. Even if you’ve had a diagnosis of IBS, be sure to go back to your doctor if your symptoms change or worsen.
