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	Control
	Low Starch Diet
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	Does whisky help
	Dos and don'ts
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How to control IBS

Controlling IBS or irritable bowel syndrome basically means controlling the symptoms of IBS. Symptoms include abdominal pain and bloating, diarrhoea, constipation, or alternate bouts of constipation and diarrhoea.

Before treating yourself for IBS it is essential that you speak to your doctor to get an accurate diagnosis. It isn’t possible to diagnose IBS yourself because the symptoms can mimic other more serious conditions. IBS is a functional disorder of the digestive system, in other words the digestive system doesn’t function properly even though it is normal in all other respects. It is not life threatening, it doesn’t lead to more serious conditions but it can last a lifetime although most people will find that their symptoms come and go at different times of their lives.

Once you have been diagnosed with IBS treatment will involve dealing with the individual symptoms. IBS doesn’t affect everyone in the same way so there is no single treatment for it either.

Controlling IBS will usually involve one or all of the following factors:

Dietary modifications
Lifestyle changes
Taking supplements or medication

Dietary modifications

The link between the gut and the diet is an obvious one so anything that you eat or drink can potentially impact on your symptoms of IBS. The first thing is to identify any particular food that your body doesn’t seem to tolerate very well. This can be done by keeping a simple diary of everything that is consumed and a note of any effect on bowel movements. However, regardless of how the symptoms affect you, there are some simple modifications to your diet that could make a significant difference.

Cut down on coffee, tea, alcohol, carbonated drinks, foods that are high in fat
Increase the amount of soluble fibre in your diet in the form of fruit and vegetables, oats, barley and wholemeal bread
Drink more water – at least 2 litres a day
Eat regularly and eat smaller portions and make sure you are relaxed and take your time to eat

Putting these simple tips in place can make all the difference and for some people, may be enough to keep their IBS under control.

Lifestyle changes

Stress is a known trigger of IBS so dealing effectively with any stressful situations in your life is essential. When you are feeling stressed, chemicals are released from your brain which have a direct impact on the gut. Some people can even relate the onset of their IBS symptoms to a particularly stressful period in their lives. Learn relaxation techniques and spend some time each day doing something for you. Yoga has proved helpful for many people with IBS. Finally, it is important to get enough sleep and to exercise regularly.

Supplements or Medication

There are countless different preparations available for controlling the various symptoms of IBS, some only available on prescription and some over the counter. For example:

Laxatives for constipation
Anti diarrhoeal agents for diarrhoea
Anti spasmodic medicines for muscle spasms and cramps
Low dose anti-depressants - too low for an anti-depressant effect, but which have been found helpful in some cases of IBS
Soluble fibre supplements to increase fibre
Probiotics may help promote healthy bacteria in the gut
Peppermint and Fennel may reduce digestive discomfort and gas

Before treating yourself speak to your doctor for advice because even over the counter medicines can have potentially serious side effects and if your symptoms are particularly severe your doctor may be able to prescribe something more suitable to help.