IBS Awareness Month

What is IBS?

IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) effects many of us, you will probably know someone who suffers with the symptoms of IBS. IBS is an umbrella term used for multiple problems associated with our bowels. Clients with IBS suffer with;

  • constipation,
  • diarrhea,
  • bloating,
  • spazming,
  • cramping,
  • flatulence,
  • alternating bouts of diarrhea and constipation,
  • sense of incompletion,
  • irregular bowel movements,
  • tenderness,
  • bubbling stomach,
  • fatigue and mood swings to name a few.

For IBS suffers they do not need to have all these symptoms, some may only have one or two of the traits of IBS.

How can IBS be treated?

There is no cure for IBS and no know medical reasons for why someone suffers with IBS. IBS can be managed however with a healthy lifestyle and diet. Here are a few tips you can try to help manage your IBS,

1. Firstly assess your work / relaxation time, is this balanced? If it isn’t then change your lifestyle, stress is a massive trigger when it comes to IBS suffering.

2. Ensure you have good quality sleep.

3. Make sure your hydration (water intake, not coffee intake) is optimum and you are hitting 2 litre’s of water per day minimum, this can include fruit/ herbal teas

4. Start writing a food diary, this can sometimes help you identify triggers, also write down how you feel after eating too, as this may help manage your mood swings and feelings.

5. You could try a food group elimination process. This means taking a food group one at a time and not consuming it for 6/8 weeks. (for example not eating wheat, this would mean no bread, pasta, etc.)

6. The next step on from this is asking for help from a nutritionist or a homeopath to see what intolerances you may have. Our bodies are so complex sometimes a food diary isn’t enough information.

7. The power of the mind is so important and if you are struggling with life situations it may be worth getting some advice and help from a hypnotherapist or life coach. They can help you manage any problems, as stress can cause so much disruption to all the body systems.

The above advice are extra tips to try, don’t forget you should always seek medical advise from your doctor. Do not suffer in silence and put up with discomforts, it is not ‘just the way you are made’, you can do something about it.

Robyn Powell our colon hydrotherapist treats many clients with IBS through colon hydrotherapy and abdominal massage to help manage, elevate their IBS symptoms. Don’t allow yourself to be another IBS statistic!