Are you diagnosed with IBS? Don’t panic.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a common gastrointestinal tract disorder that causes abdominal pain, cramping, gas, bloating, diarrhea, and constipation. IBS is a condition that occurs in about 15% of the adult population. The exact cause of Irritable Bowel Syndrome is unknown but it is not contagious from person to person.

IBS does not increase your risk of serious bowel conditions such as colon cancer or colitis. But, it can be well managed so it does not affect your overall health and quality of life says Dr. Prasad, the best gastroenterologist in Bangalore.

People with IBS have a sensitive digestive system and they notice certain foods seem to trigger IBS symptoms. Many IBS patients can manage their condition by making changes to their diet and lifestyle. But, knowing what foods to avoid and eat is most important if you have IBS symptoms.

However, research studies have shown that IBS can be triggered not only by diet but also by medications, and conditions such as stress or anxiety.

The experts of gastrointestinal disorders at SMILES Bangalore explains various IBS triggers and ways to avoid them.

Constipation is one of the most common symptoms associated with irritable bowel syndrome. In general, foods that tend to dehydrate can worsen the symptoms of constipation in people with IBS.

Here is a list of foods that make IBS constipation worse and should be avoided.

• ● Dairy products, such as milk and cheese
• ● Processed foods
• ● Red meat
• ● Unripe bananas
• ● Bread and cereals made with refined whole grains
• ● Coffee, carbonated drinks, and alcohol (may cause dehydration and constipation in IBS patients)

Irritable Bowel Syndrome that causes increased diarrhea is often called (IBS D). If you have IBS with Diarrhea, you have severe abdominal pain other IBS symptoms including frequent bowel movements.

Our experts in gastroenterology at SMILES outlined some foods that make IBS diarrhea worse and should be avoided.

• ● Too much fiber, especially you get from the skin of fruits and vegetables
• ● Fried and fatty foods
• ● Gassy foods
• ● Artificial sweeteners (sorbitol and xylitol)
• ● Gluten-free diets

SMILES notify that stress and anxiety may not directly cause IBS symptoms but they make the symptoms more severe. Moreover, people with certain mental health issues such as depression and psychological abuse are more likely to develop IBS.

Avoiding the following activities that cause stress or anxiety may prevent IBS symptoms from occurring.

• ● Stay hydrated and perform exercises at a moderate level
• ● Practice yoga to reduce stress and anxiety which specifically work on your digestive system
• ● Choose healthy eating habits and get enough sleep
• ● Do meditation to reduce stress and anxiety, and also linked with a decrease in IBS symptoms

Does the menstrual cycle affect irritable bowel syndrome? Yes, because the hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle may trigger increasing IBS symptoms and IBS worsens as hormones fall. Late in your cycle, you are more likely to feel bloated and constipated and even diarrhea.

Reduce IBS symptoms during your periods by doing the following:

• ● Avoid gas-producing foods, such as beans and legumes
• ● Drink plenty of fluids
• ● Get enough rest
• ● Eat at regular times
• ● Consume a high-fiber diet

Some drugs can trigger IBS symptoms resulting in the spastic colon, constipation, and diarrhea. Such drugs include antibiotics, tricyclic antidepressants, and the medicines containing sorbitol (such as cough syrup) that can worsen your symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome.

Here is how you can avoid IBS symptoms caused by medications.

• ● Talk with your IBS treatment doctor about switching to drugs that won’t make your symptoms flare.
• ● Choose antidepressants wisely by working with the doctor to find the right one.

Our gastroenterology experts at SMILES explain that other triggers of IBS are variable and differ from person to person. However, some other common IBS triggers include:

• ● Lacking exercise
• ● Chewing gum
• ● Eating foods that are very hot and cold
• ● Eating food too quickly.

Still suffering from Irritable Bowel symptoms? Why hesitating to consult a doctor? Visit SMILES and discuss all IBS treatment options available for IBS with constipation and IBS with diarrhea. Choose the best treatment that suits you and avoids further complications.