Understanding IBS

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common condition affecting between 10 and 15 percent of Americans. IBS is also an underdiagnosed condition, as many individuals are unaware of their symptoms. April is IBS Awareness Month. If you're living with IBS or concerned you might have the disorder, now is the perfect time to learn about IBS and tips for managing symptoms. 

What is IBS?

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a gastrointestinal condition affecting the large intestine. People with IBS can experience mild symptoms such as abdominal pain, changes in bowel movement, bloating, gas, or mucus in the stool. An individual may have weight loss, diarrhea, rectal bleeding, or vomiting in more severe cases. IBD is most common to develop before 50 but can persist into senior years. It also most comes in females, those with a family history of IBS, and those who suffer from anxiety and depression. 

There are a few factors that can contribute to the development of IBS. One is how your muscles contract to pass food through the digestive tract. Weak contractions can slow the passage of food. Contractions that are too strong can cause bloating, gas, and diarrhea. Abnormal digestive system nerves can also cause IBS, causing the abdomen to stretch more than it needs to for gas or stool. IBS can also develop after an intestinal infection, chronic stress early in life, and gut microbe changes. 

Managing IBS

There is no cure for IBS, but treatments focus on managing symptoms to help individuals live comfortably. The two primary triggers for IBS are food and stress. Making lifestyle changes to address those triggers can significantly reduce your discomfort.

• Consume a high-fiber diet. A common symptom of IBS is constipation, and eating a high fiber diet can help your body digest food and eliminate waste more efficiently. High-fiber foods include beans, avocados, and berries. 
• Avoid trigger foods. Different foods trigger everyone's IBS. Common IBS triggers include gluten, such as wheat, barley, rye, and high-gas foods, such as carbonated beverages. If you're unsure of your trigger foods, try keeping a food diary and not whenever your symptoms intensify. Try slowly eliminating eaten around the time of your flare-up to find which ones caused the discomfort. 
• Drink water. Water helps food waste move through the body and can relieve constipation. Water is also essential for keeping your body hydrated, especially if you're experiencing bouts of diarrhea. 
• Exercise. Physical activity is a great way to relieve and manage stress, triggering IBS symptoms. Exercise can also improve bowel function and reduce bloating. Try to move your body for 20 to 30 minutes each day. 
• Get quality sleep. Sleep is essential for relaxing and recharging the body. If you're experiencing stress-induced IBS symptoms, ensure you're getting quality sleep each night. If you're having trouble sleeping, create a bedtime routine that allows you to unwind and get into bed at the same time each night.

In more severe cases of IBS, lifestyle changes may not be enough to manage your symptoms. If symptoms make it challenging to complete daily tasks, your doctor may suggest antidiarrheals, laxatives, pain medications, antibiotics, gut antispasmodics, or dietary supplements. 

How Visiting Angels Can Help

If you have IBS and need help with daily activities at home, the team at Visiting Angels can help. Our professional caregivers can assist with light housekeeping, meal preparations, transportation, personal grooming, medication reminders, mobility assistance, and more.

Our St. Louis Park office serves Minneapolis, St. Louis Park, Golden Valley, Richfield, and the West Metro. If you'd like to learn more about our services, you can complete this online form or call us at 952.935.0789.