What are some treatments for Irritable Bowel Syndrome?

Unfortunately, because IBS is a syndrome in which a body part is simply working differently than normal, it has no cure. However, there are treatment options available that will manage IBS and relieve the symptoms – whether they are mild, moderate, or severe. Basically, your treatment options are included under three main categories – diet changes, stress relief, and medicine. And a combination of some of these things may work best for you; talk to your doctor about it, try some out, and see if an appropriate treatment plan can be formulated to help you live with IBS.

 

Diet Changes

 

·        Evaluate your diet by writing down the answers to these questions.

o       What do you eat during the day?

o       What symptoms do you experience?

o       When do the symptoms occur?

o       What particular foods always make you feel bad?

·        Change the foods that you eat.

o       Avoid or limit fatty food like French fries, milk products including cheese and ice cream, chocolate, alcohol, caffeine, and carbonated drinks.

o       Include in your diet foods that are filled with fiber, like fruits, vegetables, beans, cereals, and bran. Be sure to add the fiber into your diet a little at a time to prevent gas.

·        Change how much you eat.

o       Large meals eaten by people with IBS can result in cramping and diarrhea.

o       Try eating four or five smaller meals every day.

o       Or, keep eating your typical three meals, but eat less.

 

Stress Relief

 

·        Evaluate your stress levels and when your symptoms occur. Could stress be triggering them?

·        Learn to manage your stress, which will lesson your symptoms.

o       Meditation, silence, or prayer often helps people lesson stress.

o       Exercise can lesson stress and help you feel more capable of handing whatever comes your way.

o       Some people find that counseling really helps.

o       Try other activities that are life-giving to you and help you lower your stress levels.

 

Medicine

 

·        Check with your doctor to see if medicine would help with your symptoms.

·        Consider natural medicines that will help adjust your bowel patterns.

o       Fiber pills or powder can help regulate your bowels and help your body process the meals.

o       Laxatives can treat the constipation.

·        Consider prescription drugs that can help you deal with the symptoms.

o       Antispasmodics will slow the bowel contractions, resulting in less diarrhea and lowered pain.

o       Antidepressants can help those who are suffering from severe pain associated with IBS.