IBS or to be more precise Irritable Bowel Syndrome tends to be a rather common symptom in various conditions related to chronic illness. It is a disorder that affects the digestive system and can cause a range of symptoms all unique to the individual including bloating, cramps, constipation and diarrhoea. Most people fall into either one of two categories either suffering with mainly constipation or mainly diarrhoea although there are also people who can suffer with both. Annoyingly to top it off you may find that whilst one day something may trigger your IBS off another day it may be absolutely fine. As with most symptoms of chronic illness there is no definitive cure but there are different ways to try and manage your symptoms.

My own experience

If you saw me for the most part you would assume I was pregnant, my stomach becomes so bloated and hard. It can be after I eat certain foods or drinks but the majority of the time it appears like that for no other reason than maybe stress. I lie on the constipation side of bowel troubles and can go sometimes getting on for a week to ten days without going to the toilet. My bloating is what you would call slightly severe because it radiates from under my breasts all the way down to the bottom of my abdomen just like a pregnancy bump. It gets particularly bad in the area above my belly button which is inline with my actual stomach. Aside from the uncomfortableness and pain which at times is unbearable it can be highly embarrassing – but hey maybe it could be a great tool in trying to get a seat!

My tips for IBS – as always please check with your doctor before trying out any new tips and ideas.

• Try and determine which type of IBS you have – Do you suffer more from constipation or diarrhoea or is it a combination of both?

• Keep a diary – I bet if you have seen any doctor about your IBS the first thing they ask you is what do you eat with some of them asking you if you notice any patterns in your IBS symptoms. By keeping a diary of any flareups you have whilst writing down any foods you have eaten will help you to identify any patterns and will provide the doctor with any relevant information. It may help you to see if any particular foods cause you a problem or any food groups. You should also keep note of your emotions to see if stress could indeed be a factor.

• Diet – You will hear this over and over again – take a look at your diet. It is a fact however that certain foods will loosen your bowel while others won’t. Certain foods are also designed to bloat you and give you excess wind. Everyone is different so it is trial and error to what is best for you and you have to play the long game in working out what suits your body better. IBS doesn’t really stop you eating any foods (unless of course you discover you have an allergy or intolerance) but if you do choose to eat everything in sight you may have to be willing to pay for it later!

• Alternative therapies – People tend to have very opposing views when it comes to alternative therapies but if you are open to such therapies there are certain ones you may want to try. Treatments such as acupuncture and reflexology are a great starting point but you need to do your research and find an accredited practitioner.

• Practice stress management – If your IBS is down to emotional matters rather than food then you need to look at ways of reducing your stress whether it be at home or in the workplace. For tips on how to manage stress at home you can read my article here.

• Review your fibre intake – This will be dependant on what type of IBS you have but if you have constipation related IBS upping your fibre may help you become more regular. Good sources of fibre include wholegrain foods, vegetables, fruits, nuts and seeds. If diarrhoea is more your problem you may find you are eating too much fibre! The joy of IBS it can never be straight forward.

• Drink water – Drinking water will help you with both constipation and diarrhoea. Constipation because it can hopefully help to move things alone and diarrhoea because it can help combat dehydration from going to the toilet too much.

Next week’s symptom: Insomnia