Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is one of the most common disorders worldwide, affecting a staggering 11 per cent of the global population.
It’s also an umbrella term for a lot of symptoms modern medicine still doesn’t really understand: there are many different causes of IBS, and it can be very difficult for medical professionals to get to the bottom of any given individual case.
There’s always hope, though. By learning the way your own body works and taking advice from the right professionals, there’s always stuff you can do. In this article, you’ll learn about three things to help you tackle the problem.
Learning Your Own Individual Triggers
With IBS symptoms being very individual, one of the most important steps initially is developing a very clear understanding of what triggers a flair-up.
For most people, certain foods are particularly problematic, and usually, the worst offenders are FODMAPs (fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols). These types of carbohydrates ferment in the gut, so taking a look at the list of FODMAPs and identifying any potential correlations between them and your IBS problems is a must.
Stress can also be a major trigger for many people. If you notice your IBS flaring up at particularly stressful moments in your life, it’s key to use strategies like mindfulness, meditation, and yoga to add balance back into your life.
The Benefits of Functional Medicine
Where most modern medicine remains pretty stumped by IBS, functional medicine aims to get as close to the root cause as possible through a holistic strategy.
Sourcing out a functional doctor can be invaluable: they’ll help by digging deep into your personal biology through meticulous testing to discover any deep-rooted imbalances that may be partly responsible for your IBS.
They’re also equipped to provide medication, supplementation, and offer lifestyle advice that might help, and the best functional doctors have a rich understanding of how hormones and the immune system function to help or hinder our lives.
The Importance of a Consistently Healthy Lifestyle
IBS has many different causes, and living a consistently healthy lifestyle can go a long way in addressing causes that cannot be determined. You’d be surprised at the extent to which a good diet and exercise regime can help, and both of these elements also do a great job of combating stress and promoting good mental health.
One of the best ways to remain consistent is to keep a schedule. Nothing too strict, but it’s a good idea to go to bed at the same each night, maintain regular mealtimes, and make sure to schedule in time for relaxing.
Wrapping Up
Irritable Bowel Syndrome can be a tough beast to tame, and it’s common for people to go on suffering for years without ever getting the help they need.
Once you take the problem into your own hands, though, and do your best to learn about your own body and how it responds to your habits and behaviours, you’ll be able to get to the point where the disorder’s effect on your life is minimal.
It’s never too late – it just requires a little time, effort, and guidance!
