Living with Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Irritable Bowel Syndrome, IBS, may not be a pleasant subject to talk about. However, if you have suffered with this condition you will want to know ways in which you can prevent episodes of IBS or even eliminate it all together.

I was diagnosed with IBS, 13 years ago. At the time I was a junior in college. I had just moved out of my parents' house. I started getting up at 4 am to study. Usually on Monday mornings I would have severe abdominal cramping and I would have 4 to 5 bowel movements in a row. These episodes would leave me tired and weak. The rest of the week I would hardly have any bowel movements at all.

I went to the health center at school. They found that my getting up at 4 am was causing my bowels to start working when I would normally be asleep. The doctor suggested that I not get up so early and gave me literature to read about IBS. The literature suggested a change in diet and to try to find what foods trigger my IBS. I found that dark chocolate and caffeinated coffee triggered my IBS. I also found that if I was nervous or upset that can trigger it too. Everyone with IBS has different triggers so it's important to keep a food diary and note your symptoms as well.

Recently I made a conscious effort to eat healthier. Initially it was because I wanted to loose some weight. After awhile I found another wonderful benefit, my IBS was no longer such a problem. I started eating more whole wheat because I learned whole wheat can help you feel satisfied longer. I also started eating more fruits and vegetables. Eating Yogurt with active Yogurt cultures has also been proven to help regulate the digestive system.

There are medications now available to help treat IBS. Your doctor will be able to share with you all the potential bennifits and risks of these medications. Make sure to discuss your IBS with your doctor to make sure that there is not a more serious illness masking itself as IBS. Keep a food diary and note your symptoms. Look into ways to improve your diet and stress levels.

Fortunately IBS is not something you just have to put up with. As I have learned there are ways to mange it so that it does not have such a disturbing affect on your life.