When you live with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) you will need effective coping techniques that will help you better control this problem everyday. Although no permanent cure is available for IBS, many treatments are available in the market.
In order to effectively control your symptoms, you will need to know as much as you can about IBS. It is important to talk to your doctor and ask him questions that are important in helping you cope effectively with this condition. No question about your IBS problem is too personal for your physician so ask all the questions you urgently need to know the answers to. The term knowledge is power is very true particularly in the proper control of your IBS symptoms.
A Diet for IBS with Constipation
In order to avoid triggering the symptoms, you need to eat and drink the products that do not irritate the nerves and muscles of your intestines. In order not to compromise your overall health by excluding healthy foods that can trigger IBS symptoms, some dietitians suggest that you eat or drink products in moderation as well integrating high-fiber foods gradually into your diet to offset IBS.
Know Your IBS Triggers and Symptoms
Keeping a journal that lists down the foods and drinks you have taken and recording those particular items that cause you constipation, diarrhea, bloating, discomfort or pain are vital in helping you keep tabs of foods and drinks that you need to avoid. You need to include the time, day and date when the symptoms occurred in the journal. Make a note of your mood during those times and any meds you were taking then to relieve your IBS symptoms. When you present this journal to your doctor, it will help your doctor better assess your condition and help him identify the triggers of your IBS symptoms. This will help you make the right dietary changes to completely prevent IBS and help you live a normal life everyday.
Talk About It
If you have friends and family members you can talk to about your IBS problem, they can provide support and comfort for you in order for you to deal with your problem better. When your family and friends know about your condition they will completely understand your frequent need to go to the toilet in public.
Even at work, telling your co-workers and your bosses about your problem will help them understand that you have a long-term illness that has no cure and that when symptoms are triggered you need to go to the toilet frequently compared to normal people who have no IBS. You may need to inform your bosses that you have a plan that addresses your IBS symptoms. They need to know that your condition will not mean loss of productivity and that you will be productive or even more productive than the average worker. If you find it hard to make your boss and others understand your problem, you can request a note from your doctor who will explain to them your condition and the symptoms you suffer because of your condition.
Find Support
You can find support from dietitians, therapists, nurses and doctors who know all about IBS. You can also find support groups in the internet and other non-online support in or near your area.
Prepare for Situations
When you have IBS, you need to always prepare for potential situations when you step outside your home. If you go to eat at a restaurant, before you go find a seat, know first where the toilet is located. Make sure that the foods and drinks you order are not items that will irritate your intestinal nerves. If you watch a movie or attend a wedding make sure you know where the toilet is and have easy access to it. You need to inform your guests, your friends and companions about your condition so that they may understand your need to frequently use the toilet.
Stress Reduction
Meditation, yoga, acupuncture and other therapies that remove stress in the body are incredibly helpful in reducing IBS symptoms. Psychotherapy combined with medications can also be an effective way to help control your IBS symptoms. Psychotherapy is one strand of a discipline termed behavioral therapy that is composed of other types of therapies like cognitive behavioral therapy, hypnotherapy, biofeedback, relaxation therapy and of course psychotherapy.
Buckhead Acupuncture & Herbal Center
2964 Peachtree Rd NW, #350
Atlanta, GA 30305
Phone: 678-549-7848
http://atlanta-acupuncture.net/