IBS. Irritable Bowel Syndrom. Today I would like to talk about how to cope with IBS. I personally have dealt with IBS for a long, long time and I have tried everything.. everything. I feel like everyone says that, but it is really true. But before we start, let’s clarify what IBS is (for those of you that may not be familiar with it.. lucky you!).
According to the NHS: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common condition that affects the digestive system. It’s usually a lifelong problem. It can be very frustrating to live with and can have a big impact on your everyday life. There’s no cure, but diet changes and medicines can often help control the symptoms. The exact cause is unknown.
When they say the cause is unknown, they mean it. It took me 3 and 1/2 years of food elimination, food diary, dietician appointments, and what feels like 100 trips to the doctor to even figure out that I suffer from IBS. Conveniently, I am also lactose intolerant, which doesn’t make diagnosing IBS easier. Lucky me! I know, I know, there are people with far worse conditions. The fact that others have another condition, however, doesn’t mean that people living with IBS should feel bad about it and ashamed.
It is already a tricky condition as it is. No one knows where it is coming from, there is no cure and I usually flares up when it shouldn’t (not that there is a right moment for it, don’t get me wrong). I think that a lot of people feel bad about it because it is an ‘invisible’ condition. When you tell someone ‘my stomach hurts’, it is hard for them to understand how much it hurts. Over the years, I have tried out different, things that help me deal with IBS.
IBS Medicine
I have a little pouch filled with Buscopan IBS Relief, Imodium, and Paracetamol. I try not to take any tablets, but it makes me feel better knowing that should I need to take them, the tablets are in my backpack. In the past, I have tried many prescription drugs for IBS such as Antispasmodic Medicines and even Codeine, but I found that a) they are really bad for you if you take them too long and b) they do not work any faster than other non-prescription medication. Again, just to stress, I am not a doctor nor medical professional, so just because something did or did not work for me, doesn’t mean that it will/won’t work for you
Morning Routine
I always liked waking up early. I am one of those people that wake up early even on weekends. Since I am more of an early bird as opposed to a night owl, I feel the best in the morning. Taking time to just sit, listen to music, or just go for a short walk in the morning has helped me to start my day off slower. This has helped me to be calmer. Reducing stress is a big part of dealing with IBS, as it tends to flare up when we are stressed. So wake up early. Enjoy a nice cup of tea/coffee on your balcony while the birds are singing.
Dairy
I naturally avoid dairy, as I am intolerant, but even if you are not lactose intolerant, you should avoid dairy in order to keep your symptoms at bay. Try plant milk, lactose-free milk, or even goat milk. Your belly will thank moooouu!
Triggers
If coffee makes your belly hurt don’t drink it. The same goes for sweets, alcohol etc. But also other triggers such as stress, overworking, and worrying can trigger IBS. Always remember to take a few moments every day to reflect and just.. be.
IBS Network
Request a Can’t-Wait Card from the IBS Network. This card allows you to access clean restrooms in stores and public places. It is free and arrives quite fast.
Sorbitol
After what feels like 100 years, I have discovered that sorbitol causes my IBS to flare up. Sorbitol is a sugar alcohol that can be found in some fruits and plants as well as in sugar-free chewing gum.. such as Extra, Orbit, and Trident, Altoids) and toothpaste (Colgate).
Do you have any tips? What foods do you avoid?
