Managing IBS with life-style and diet changes
There is no cure for IBS, but symptoms can be managed. How IBS symptoms are best managed varies from person to person. You may have to try different things to discover what works for you.
Lifestyle changes
- Get enough
sleep and
exercise
- Avoid stress as much as possible
- Avoid eating on-the-run or skipping meals
Dietary changes
- Eat small and frequent meals during the day
- Avoid large meals
- Eat meals slowly
- Eat higher
protein and lower
fat meals
- Eat foods with
plenty of soluble fibre (oat bran, corn, legumes, beans, oranges, apples, pears, berries, ground flax seeds)
- Drink water regularly
- Avoid foods known to cause symptoms
A note on insoluble fibre
Insoluble fibre is important for regular bowel movements, but it may cause symptoms for people with IBS. Introduce it in small amounts to find out how much you can eat and stay symptom-free. Try to peel, cook, chop or puree your fruits and vegetables. This will reduce the effect of insoluble fibre on your bowels. Sources of insoluble fibre include whole grains, brown rice, rye, whole flax seeds, vegetables, fruit and corn.
Medicines to help with symptoms
Doctors can prescribe medicines for pain and for problems with bowel movements such as diarrhea, constipation, gas, and urgency. Speak to your doctor about this if you have trouble managing your symptoms.