Irritable Bowel Syndrome – IBS
Back to top
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
- Abdominal discomfort
- Gas /Flatulence
- Diarrhoea
- Constipation
- Bloating
Back to top
COMPLICATIONS OF DISEASE
Health complications arising from IBS include haemorrhoids (aggravated by diarrhoea and/or constipation), depression, weight loss, vitamin and mineral deficiencies, and psychosocial problems such as interference with work, relationships, friends and family.
Back to top
MANAGING YOUR DISEASE
- Get tested for IBS (food allergy test and eliminate these foods).
- Use prescribed medication daily as prescribed by HCP Add fibre to diet
- Limit food that make diarrhoea/constipation worse
- Meditation/Exercise to relief stress Limit caffeine, alcohol, milk products, foods high in sugar, fatty foods, gas producing foods, artificial sweeteners (sorbitol & zylitol)
- Probiotics may help
Back to top
LIFESTYLE MODIFICATIONS
- Having a healthy diet is important in managing your IBS. This would reduce the discomfort and pain you are experiencing. [1]
- Regular exercise may help your digestive system, ease IBS symptoms and improve overall mood. [2]
- Avoid stress as it may make your symptoms worse. Find ways to reduce stress such as relaxation techniques, deep breathing exercises, yoga, meditations, etc. [2]
- Having support groups can help you gain different methods on how to manage your symptoms as it would include sharing concerns, managements and experiences [1]
- Avoid common offenders such as coffee and chocolate as well.
- Try to include a gluten free diet to see if your symptoms improve. This will include rye and any type of wheat.
- Avoid foods which are high in fat such as fried foods and animal fats. Focus more on lean meats, fish and chicken. Prepare foods by grilling, broiling or steaming with little to no oil. Cooking spray can be substituted in the place of cooking oil.
- Avoid carbohydrates which are difficult for the intestines to digest such as lactose found in milk products, peaches, watermelon, pears, mangoes, plums, nectarines, legumes, high fructose products, wheat, rye, broccoli, brussels sprouts, cauliflower, mushroom, artichoke, etc.
- Ask your doctor about the FODMAPs diet, which is an acronym for fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharide and polyols. When you eat out, try to choose foods which are close to what you eat at home.
-
- Therapy such as cognitive behavioural therapy can help you develop coping skills and improve the overall quality of life. [2]
- Avoid alcohol and smoking as it will aggravate your symptoms. [2]
- Ask your doctor about Probiotic supplements. [1]
This is an uncomfortable disorder characterized by dramatic changes in bowel movements such as diarrhea or constipation. Everyday activities may become intolerable due to cramps and abdominal pain. Dietary tips can help improve your symptoms, but medical intervention is important for treatment. [3]
Back to top
DIETARY TIPS
- Having a high fibre diet helps build the bulk of your stools which shall assist in bowel movement. These include fruits, vegetables and whole grains.
- Gradually add fibre to your diet. Start low, increase slowly until you reach a point of intolerance. If you experience bloating and diarrhoea due to the high fiber, instead of cutting fiber completely from your diet, focus on soluble fibre. These include apples, berries, carrots, oatmeal, beans, etc.
- Avoid insoluble fibre found in nuts, tomatoes, raisins, broccoli, cabbage, etc.
Medical References
- Health Library [Internet]. Lifestyle changes to manage irritable bowel syndrome. Winchester: Winchester Hospital; [updated 2019 Jun 07; cited 2019 Aug 12]. Available from: https://www.winchesterhospital.org/healthlibrary/ article?id=19649.
- Renlund L [Internet]. 10 Simple dietary & lifestyle changes to Help IBS management. Canada: Dieticians of Canada; [updated 2017 Oct; cited 2019 Aug 12]. Available from: https://www.laurenrenlund.com/2016/11/27 /simple-changes-help-ibs-management/.
- Moore K, Higuera V [Internet]. IBS diet guide. America: Healthline; [updated 2018 Nov 07; cited 2019 Aug 13]. Available from:https://www.healthline.com/health/ibs-diet.
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Disease [Internet]. Eating, diet & nutrition for irritable bowel syndrome. America: National institute of Health; [updated 2017 Nov, cited 2019 Aug 13]. Available from: https://www.niddk.nih.gov/healthinformation/ digestive-diseases/irritable-bowelsyndrome/ eating-diet-nutrition.
- GI Society [Internet]. IBS diet: the foods you can eat. Canada: Canadian Society of Intestinal Research; [update 2019; cited 2019 Aug 13]. Available from: https://badgut.org/informationcentre/ health-nutrition/ibs-the-foods-you-caneat/.
- Health Matters [Internet]. Everything you need to know about IBS. New York: NewYork-Presbyterian; [updated 2019; cited 2019 Aug 13]. Available from: https://d1nakyqvxb9v71.cloudfront.net/wpcontent/ uploads/2019/04/ibs-at-a-glance-8.jpg.
- Gowan M [Internet]. Causes of IBS- What factors contribute to IBS?. Canada: ND Assist; [updated 2017 Jul 19; cited 2019 Aug 13]. Available from: https://www.nhpassist.com/blog/wpcontent/ uploads/2017/07/blog-causes4- smaller.jpg.
- Bolen B [Internet]. Understanding IBS pain. New York: Verywell health; [updated 2019 Jul 04, cited 2019 Aug 13]. Available from:https://www.verywellhealth.com/thmb/LvV 71XReMRvcVQEY5O9cPbbLW8A=/1500×1000/filte rs:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/ibspain- locations-1945305- 5c04ab7ec9e77c0001dbe853.png.
