IBS is not life threatening. It can, however, significantly affect a person’s quality of life. There is no cure, so the goal of treatment is to reduce symptoms as much as possible. Treatment options may include:
Dietary modifications
Eat a balanced diet to promote a healthy weight and overall feeling of health and well-being
Avoid processed foods
Minimize alcohol
Limit caffeine
Eliminate artificial sweeteners like sucralose, sorbitol, xylitol, erythritol, acesulfame potassium, aspartame, saccharin, Luo han guo, and purified stevia leaf extracts. These non-digestible sugars can act as laxatives and increase bloating.
Avoid food triggers, which can vary from person to person, but may include foods containing lactose, dairy, fructose, and/or gluten (wheat, barley and rye).
Some people are more sensitive to certain carbohydrates found in foods known as FODMAPs (or Fermentable Oligosaccharides, Disaccharides, Monosaccharides And Polyols). Following a low-FODMAP diet; then, reintroducing foods one at a time may help. If symptoms recur, patients will have a better idea which foods to avoid. Nutrition consultation may be helpful to guide the elimination of high FODMAP foods.
Avoiding foods known to cause increased gas production including: cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, onions, celery, carrots, beans, prunes, wheat, carbonated beverages, and raw fruit, may help.
Lifestyle modifications:
Reduce stress:
Stress and anxiety play a major role in IBS. Reducing stress and anxiety may improve symptoms. Research suggests cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and medication may be helpful for some individuals
Exercise regularly
Exercise helps by adding to your overall sense of wellbeing. It also helps to keep the digestive tract working properly, potentially improving constipation. Always talk with your doctor first before starting any exercise program.
WOMEN WITH IBS SYMPTOMS
Women with IBS symptoms should always be evaluated by an OBGYN to rule out gynecological causes of their symptoms including endometriosis, PCOS, and ovarian cancer.
Ovarian cancer can present with vague symptoms such as gas, bloating and indigestion. These symptoms should NEVER be overlooked or blamed on IBS until all organic causes are ruled out.
While we at Hunterdon Digestive Health Specialists will carefully evaluate you and rule out GI causes of your symptoms, we may need to refer you to another specialist such as an OBGYN to rule out other causes to your symptoms and to ensure that your symptoms are comprehensively addressed, worked-up, and evaluated properly before making a definitive diagnosis of IBS.