Is It IBS or Just an Upset Stomach
Do you ever feel pain or bloating in your stomach? Do you keep Pepto-Bismol on hand at all times? Are you always on the lookout for the closest restroom when you go out? You could have irritable bowel syndrome.
While occasional gastrointestinal discomfort is normal, chronic stomach issues can be a sign of irritable bowel syndrome or IBS.
The good news is you don't have to settle for the misery of frequent IBS symptoms. Keep reading to learn if your digestive distress may be IBS and what you can do about it.
What Is Irritable Bowel Syndrome?
April is IBS Awareness Month, which is a great time to consider whether your cranky tummy may be less about those chicken wings you scarfed down during the game and more about a deeper issue in your gut.
First of all, what is IBS? Irritable bowel syndrome is a medical condition that:
Causes abdominal pain and changes in bowel movements
Impacts nearly 15% of people in the U.S.
Affects twice as many women as men
May be hereditary
Can correlate with seemingly unrelated symptoms like insomnia, anxiety, depression, and migraines
The exact causes of irritable bowel syndrome are still unknown. However, it is believed that IBS may be related to bacterial or viral infections, an imbalanced gut microbiome, or increased sensitivity of nerves in the gut.
Do You Have IBS?
If you eat a big greasy burger or go to town on a fully loaded pizza, you probably expect your stomach to retaliate a few hours later. But what about when your gut seems cranky no matter what you eat? You could have IBS.
Here are some common symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome:
Diarrhea, constipation, or a combination of the two at least once a week
Abdominal pain that is relieved by having a bowel movement
Mucus in your stool
Frequent gas, bloating, and stomach pain
Sudden, urgent bowel movements
Any combination of the above symptoms could indicate that you are dealing with irritable bowel syndrome. The best way to know for sure is to get checked out by your doctor. They can perform an exam, review your symptoms, and even order blood or stool tests, if necessary.
What to Do If You Have IBS Symptoms
You don't have to wait for your doctor to confirm whether you have IBS before you start making lifestyle changes. Anyone experiencing digestive upset will benefit from an upgrade in their daily habits.
If you have symptoms of IBS, try making some of the following changes:
Avoid foods that trigger GI discomfort. Keeping an IBS food journal can help you discover which foods and beverages irritate your digestive system.
Practice stress reduction techniques. Stress is a common trigger for IBS symptoms, and learning how to reduce your stress levels can help keep your stomach calm.
Try taking probiotics. The beneficial bacteria strains in probiotic supplements help balance your gut microbiome, which can alleviate symptoms of IBS.
Consider getting acupuncture. Some people have found that acupuncture reduces the recurrence of IBS symptoms more than medication.
Since there is no cure for irritable bowel syndrome, the best way to find relief is through the management of symptoms. Medication is an option, but healthy lifestyle changes are always highly recommended.
Learn How to Manage IBS with A Shore Thing Health Coaching
Irritable bowel syndrome can be frustrating and embarrassing, making you want to avoid leaving the house. Don't let IBS get in the way of enjoying your life. A Shore Thing health coaching can help you get control of your symptoms. I can work with you to identify your IBS triggers and find ways to avoid or eliminate them.
A healthy, happy gut is only a phone call away. Call me today at [Direct] or fill out the online form to schedule a consultation.
