The Impact of IBS on Daily Life and How To Cope

When your bowels are unpredictable, life can be challenging. However, if you have irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) in Northwest Indiana, you have someone to turn to. The team of gastroenterologists at Centers for Digestive Health has two offices, Munster, IN, and Dyer, IN, and they serve NW Indiana.

Symptoms of IBS

 Recognizing the symptoms of IBS is essential for understanding its impact on daily life. 

• Abdominal cramps 
• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Both diarrhea and constipation
• Bloating
• The sensation that you can't empty your bowels

 IBS is a chronic disease that can last for years, but the symptoms can come and go and are very unpredictable. Sometimes, they can come on with little or no warning, and, for some women, they are worse during times when they have their period.

How IBS Impacts Daily Life

 Much of the impact of IBS relates to the fact that it does come and go. You may feel fine and then get to work and be in terrible pain. You may decide you want to go shopping and be hit with a wicked case of diarrhea. It makes going anywhere risky and causes a lot of missed time from work. Not to mention that the gas that often comes with bloating can be quite embarrassing. Many people who suffer from IBS also suffer from anxiety and depression. Studies are being conducted to connect these conditions with IBS. 

How To Cope With IBS

Anyone who has IBS knows there are some foods that you just can't eat. To live with IBS, you have to avoid triggers that will make your condition worse. You usually learn this within a few months of getting the disease. If you need to keep a food diary, this will help you nail down your triggers.

You may also have bacterial overgrowth in your bowels. By taking a probiotic, you may be able to calm your IBS down so that you can live better with small flare-ups of symptoms. Yogurt with live culture is helpful if you can tolerate dairy.

Eating clean, getting plenty of exercise, and always knowing where the closest bathroom is help people with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) cope and feel in control.

Meditation, relaxation, and breathing exercises can help calm the mind, body, and bowels. IBS is a function condition involving both the brain and the body.

Sufferers of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) in Northwest Indiana can count on the team at Centers for Digestive Health to provide the treatments you need. You can reach them in the Highland, IN, or Dyer, IN, offices by calling (219) 922-4900, so call today.