Irritable Bowel Syndrome Relief Treatments

Since Irritable Bowel Syndrome is a digestive system related problem, it is not surprising that what you eat can have an impact on the symptoms. Although few studies have been carried out about food, Irritable Bowel Syndrome and diet there is a link that cannot be ignored if symptoms are to be relieved.

The symptoms of IBS can take some time to develop, and when they do it is always advisable to make an appointment with your doctor.  There are a number of conditions that share the same perceived symptoms of IBS and they need to be excluded from any treatment plan.

IBS is not considered as a disease, rather a disorder, or abnormality in the lower intestines, and there are no specific medicines for IBS. Doctors will normally try to treat the symptoms of IBS with the appropriate medication according to the symptoms displayed and dietary changes.

Many of the changes will revolve around adding more roughage to the diet, and which foods to avoid, but this does not really help in understanding “how” to eat the food to reduce the symptoms.

Here are 5 tips to help reduce the potential for an IBS flare up:

- Reduce the size of the meals that are eaten at each sitting.  Large meals can trigger symptoms by placing strain on the digestive system.

- Do not rush food, eat at a steady pace and chew the food thoroughly.  This will mean the food is well masticated (chewed) before it hits the stomach, which aids digestion and also less air will be swallowed with the food, which can also contribute to IBS symptoms and bloating.

- Eat food more regularly during the day (and of course reduce the size of the potions at each sitting).  If the stomach in empty it can become more sensitive and prone to flare ups.

- Try and make sure that foods like raisins, corn, and nuts are well chopped or ground before eating them, this will reduce the chance of these foods triggering symptoms.

- Avoid foods that mean you swallow a lot of air when eating them, like chewing gum or sweets.

Consumption of adequate water is important. Drinking water is required for the all the various bodily functions but it is all the more critical when it comes to IBS. If the IBS is constipation prevalent, water can help in softening of stool movement. And in case of diarrhea prevalent IBS, the same water can help in compensating for the loss of essential fluids.

Since we have already touched on some food items that can ease symptoms, it is also important to mention the food Irritable Bowel Syndrome is not okay with. The common items in this category are caffeine, alcohol, sodas and fried food. These items are considered as IBS triggers and for many will cause symptoms to flare up. They should be avoided or reduced in order to avoid the worsening of the condition.

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