7 tips to deal with Irritable Bowel Syndrome

There is no one-size-fits-all approach to Irritable Bowel Syndrome, but there are strategies that patients can try out for themselves to see what works for them.

There are easy strategies that people with irritable bowel syndrome can try to help manage their condition.

According to Dr. Kristin Lee, an expert in gastroenterology at the Cleveland Clinic, IBS triggers and symptoms vary from patient to patient, noting that dealing with the disease may not be easy, and that the way to deal with the disease may vary from person to person. From time to time, even to the patient himself.

Stress and anxiety

The expert explains that stress, anxiety, travel, new medications, and negative emotions can exacerbate IBS symptoms.

Bloating and diarrhea

Dr. Lee added that dealing with this disease is "difficult", explaining that the patient may find that a certain food does not usually cause any problems that could one day lead to abdominal pain or discomfort, but she indicated that Adjusting dietary habits, making time for exercise, maintaining physical activity, and managing stress are factors that may reduce the severity of the disease and reduce the frequency of its common attacks, such as bloating, cramps and diarrhea.

Irritable bowel syndrome is a common disease, as a study estimated the prevalence of the disease at about 11.2% among the world's population.

There is no cure for Irritable Bowel Syndrome yet, so experts focus on helping patients deal with symptoms, which requires patience and discipline, according to Dr. Lee, who advises her patients to track and record symptoms until they begin to figure out what makes a difference for them. in dealing with Irritable Bowel Syndrome.

Dr. Lee said there is no one-size-fits-all approach to IBS, but there are strategies patients can try out for themselves to see what works for them.

She added, "With a little time and patience, we can begin to identify strategies that help relieve symptoms, and the extent to which they can be applied in reality, and it is also possible to consult a doctor and obtain more directions and advice from him."

Strategies to counter Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Here are some of the strategies that Dr. Lee outlined to help with IBS:

1- Eat foods rich in fiber, such as whole grains, vegetables, nuts, seeds and fruits. Fiber makes a person feel full for a longer time, and is beneficial for the intestines.

2- Eat good fats, such as the healthy “omega-3” fats found in salmon, sardines, flaxseed and seaweed. Individuals can also include healthy oil products, such as olive oil, sesame oil and walnut oil, with the need to avoid all hydrogenated fats, such as margarine and foods. Oils and processed baked goods whenever possible.

3- Eat fruits and vegetables of different colors with between 8 and 10 servings per day, as vitamins, minerals, fiber, nutrients and antioxidants can help fight many diseases.

4- Avoid processed foods, fast food, soft drinks and sugary juices affect the metabolism of sugar and fat, and sugar calories contribute to obesity, diabetes and heart disease.

5- Relax regularly, by practicing meditation, deep breathing or yoga daily, and reducing stress levels may relieve symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome and prevent it from irritating, along with many other health conditions that occur when the body is in a state of constant stress. .

6- Focus on proper sleep. Sleep deprivation can lead to weight gain, depression, chronic fatigue, exacerbation of pain, and increased risk of heart disease, diabetes and other problems. Adults should get between 7 and 8 hours of sleep.

7- Do exercise daily, as daily exercises such as walking for 30 minutes can help prevent countless health problems, and the patient can challenge himself with high-intensity interval training or strength training using weights or resistance belts, and the person must be careful to Exercise for 30-40 minutes 3 to 4 times a week.

Dr. Lee stressed the importance of consulting a doctor if a person suspects that he or she has Irritable Bowel Syndrome, even though they may begin to try these strategies themselves. Consultation allows the doctor to rule out other possible diagnoses, through stool and blood tests and colonoscopy, and the doctor can also The patient will work together to determine the root cause of the symptoms, and to research treatment options and appropriate diets.