How to Manage the Physical Side of IBS
There are many guides and posts out there that will help you experiment with and find the right set of management techniques that will work for you. However, our qualified panel of colorectal specialists recommends the following to help you reduce your IBS symptoms:
Avoid caffeine
Ask yourself if you’re getting enough (or too much) fiber
Drink more water
Quit smoking
Get more exercise
Reduce dairy products
Mitigate and reduce stress
Drink, take, and eat probiotics
Try some relaxation and meditation techniques
You can read more about our tips in this blog post: 10 Tips On How To Manage IBS.
How to Manage the Emotional Side of IBS
You’ll notice that some of the above tips will overlap with the following ideas to help you avoid embarrassment. Keep in mind that everyone is different, and you may not have a support group that you feel is ready to hear about or help you with your IBS condition. If this is the case, perhaps there is an IBS support group near you that you can talk to (social media groups can be helpful, too).
Keep a Food Diary - Avoid Triggers
One of the most effective things you can do to avoid your IBS flare-ups altogether is to avoid your personal triggers. You might or might not have all or some of the same triggers as someone else with IBS, so getting to know your own body is incredibly important. Here at the Colorectal Clinic of Tampa Bay, we recommend that you keep a food diary to help you identify the foods, drinks, and activities that aggravate your bowels the most.
Explain to People What You’re Going Through
We know, this sounds easier than it is. So, how do you explain to someone you have IBS?
Luckily, in the last decade or so, there has been a lot more acceptance and openness about diseases regarding the colon and bowel movements. You used to only really talk about your stool with your doctor, and even that was weird. However, nowadays, there’s a lot more compassion and understanding.
Our recommendation is to be open and honest with your friends and family members; if you feel like they may not be as accepting as you’d like, start by discussing the fact that you went to see a colorectal specialist for a diagnosis. Your friends and family might be more believing (unfortunately) of your woes if they know it’s a diagnosed, medical condition.
Find Time to Reduce Stress
We often go through life living in a constant state of stress – and that’s not how our bodies were designed to work. It’s no wonder that we all struggle with mental and physical health issues. We know that it’s not always possible, but taking a look at what’s on your plate to see if there’s anything that can be reduced or eliminated can help you reduce stress in your life.
ABOVE ALL: Be More Accepting of Yourself
Is living with IBS hard? Yes, it certainly can be. However, you aren’t alone, and you aren’t any less of a person because you struggle with IBS. This condition might make things a bit harder for you, but you still deserve to get out and have fun. You deserve to be able to enjoy your life, and your IBS does not define you.
So, from all of us here at the Colorectal Clinic of Tampa Bay, find the right combination of techniques that helps you feel your best, and get out there and live your life as you deserve! If you haven’t yet gotten a diagnosis but suspect that you might have IBS, get in touch with our team today.