Get Help for IBS

HOW TO STOP THE SUFFERING

By: Lisa Fabian

For many people, IBS can be controlled through diet, medications, and stress management.

Consider not only what you eat but also how you eat. Avoid large meals that can cause cramps. Instead, consume smaller meals more often, but make sure they’re low in fat, which can be hard to digest.

Grains such as wheat, rye, and barley have been associated with a worsening of IBS symptoms, so try eating a gluten-free diet.

Stay away from beverages that can stimulate the intestines. These include caffeinated colas, coffee, and tea. It’s wise to avoid alcohol as well.

Be sure to drink at least six to eight glasses of water a day, particularly if diarrhea is a problem.

Avoiding all dairy and milk products for two weeks may help your doctor determine if you are lactose intolerant.

Certain foods and supplements can ease symptoms. A high-fiber diet can help make bowel movements less painful. Increase fiber intake by 2 to 3 grams a day. This may initially cause gas and bloating, but symptoms generally subside in a few weeks.

Fiber supplements, such as psyllium husk, can help ease constipation, and medications may be prescribed to control diarrhea. Probiotic supplements are a good choice for supporting the digestive system.

If you find that consuming dairy products triggers symptoms, avoid them in general, but yogurt may be better tolerated. It contains beneficial bacteria, which help digest lactose.