Irritable Bowel Syndrome, irritable colon, or mucous colitis is a type of bowel disease that causes cramping, abdominal pain, constipation and several other digestive problems. There are many ways to treat it but the exact reason behind is still unknown.

If IBS has become a part of your life, there is no need to be disheartened about it. There are many people suffering from IBS and most of them do not even know that they have it. Making healthy food choices and maintaining a good lifestyle is all you need to control IBS.

Common Symptoms:

• Cramping
• Constipation
• Gas and bloating
• Diarrhea
• Abdominal pain

Home remedies for treating IBS:

Lifestyle changes and home remedies help to lessen IBS symptoms to a great extent. If you follow the tips mentioned below, you may not need to rely on medication:

• Exercise- Exercising regularly will be of great help. But, you need to choose your exercises wisely as exercises like running, competitive cycling or swimming can aggravate your troubles. Jogging, breathing exercises, leisurely biking, leisurely swimming, and walking give relief from IBS related symptoms.
• No caffeinated beverages- Caffeinated beverages stimulate our intestines. So, say ‘no’ to such drinks and you’ll have lesser abdominal pain.
• Eat small meals- Instead of eating three large meals eat six small meals throughout the day. This will help you digest food quickly and reduce chances of bloating or gas.
• Avoid spicy food- It is better to maintain distance from spicy foods and deep-fried foods and they are difficult to digest. Instead eat healthy foods that strengthen the liver and drink plenty of water.
• Drink sufficient water- Keeping your body hydrated is a must. Drinking 2-3 liters of water per day aids digestion of food, promotes stool frequency, and cures constipation.
• Minimize stress- Staying happy reduces the effects of all types of health problems to a certain extent.
• Sleep on time- Making lifestyle changes can also give you relief. Going to bed early is one of them.

Can stress increase symptoms of IBS?

The mobility or automatic movement of our digestive system is controlled primarily by the nervous system. As stress affects the nerves, it also ends up making the digestive system sensitive. So, if you have IBS, stress will increase symptoms that do not bother you when you are occupied and in good mood.

Know your IBS triggers:

The key to keeping IBS in check is identifying the triggers and avoiding them. Certain foods or situations act as triggers for IBS symptoms and the extent to which a trigger affects us vary from one person to another. For instance, you stomach might be extremely sensitive to deep-fried food. So each time you have fries, you’ll feel discomfort. Similarly, stress might be the worst trigger for another person living life with IBS.

So, find out which situations and foods worsen your situation and things will become easier or you. In case the symptoms are severe, it is better to consult a doctor.