Tips For Living with IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome)

I have Irritable Bowel Syndrome. It’s not a secret (but it used to be – more on that below). My IBS is chronic, unreliable, embarrassing, and at times a detriment to my health. I’ve had IBS for most of my life…and I thought it time to share my Tips For Living with IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome).

What is irritable bowel syndrome?

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a fairly common gastrointestinal disorder. It is a chronic condition that can reoccur and interfere with your lifestyle. Typical symptoms include abdominal pain, cramping, bloating, and changes in bowel habits from sudden onset diarrhea to constipation.

Source: Eat Right Ontario

Tips For Living with IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome)

1. Eat small meals. I wrote about it a bit in 2010 in Mom’s weight, eating and body image. When I was a child…and then a teen…I would starve myself for fear that next bite would be the one to bring on the excruciating pain. I have learned, over time, smaller meals are easier for me to digest.
2. Pack safe snacks. Goes along with Tip #1. Always have a snack you know is safe and will not trigger your IBS. For me, it’s a cereal bar or plain soda crackers.
3. Know your food triggers. For many foods high in fat, fried foods, artificial sweetners, caffeine, alcohol, rich foods can be triggers (and should be avoided).
4. Make smart fast food choices. We all have to eat-on-the-go sometimes – make smart fast food choices for happier living with IBS. Opt for a salad over fries. A toasted bagel over a burger.
5. Take probiotics daily. I have been taking Align everyday for months and I can honestly say it has made a HUGE impact on my IBS. Before, my tummy used to bloat up after dinner. Not one bloated tummy since taking Align. I have also found I’ve had less IBS attacks
6. Drink water. Hydrate. Hydrate. Hydrate. It’s good for your digestive health.
7. Manage stress. A big trigger of my IBS is anxiety (I’m a big worry-er). Say I’m going to a media event with a brand (I don’t get stressed about the actual event – my worry is “What if my IBS strikes?” – it’s an anxiety I’ve had since childhood – and fear I will never truly get over). However, I have figured out how to manage my stress. I’ll print out the event rsvp. I’ll pin the map directions. I’ll research the location (where are the washrooms to be specific). I’ll connect with the brand over social media so they learn I’m a nice gal. And I’ll have had small meals throughout the day and have taken my probiotic…
8. Stay active. A work in progress on my IBS journey. I’m not a “work-out” type but I do stay active. I stroller push rather than drive. I encourage dance parties in the living room. I’m always moving – unless I’m sitting here writing a post for you fine readers 😉
9. Don’t hide it. I did hide it…for years…and it made me a bit of a hermit (fear of an IBS attack won over going out with my friends.).  Now,I’m open about my digestive disorder. I’m not letting it keep me home. Heck, I met P!nk (and I will say I was completely stressed about meeting a rock star and I totally worried that my IBS would strike…but my wanting to meet her won out over staying home).
10. Know your environment. How do I know my husband loves me? He whispers in my ear “…the washroom is over there”. Sounds dumb but knowing washroom locations helps to manage my stress.  And sometimes IBS strikes fast and without warning…and knowing washroom location…is…a must.
11. Get help. I took control of my IBS in 2008, when I lost so much weight due to my IBS…the 99 lbs (ninety-nine pounds!) reading on my scale scared me. I went to my doctor. I saw a gastroenterologis. I was counseled by a registered dietitian. I learned these really important Tips For Living with IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) and they have changed my life.
12. Give yourself a break. IBS isn’t the worst health issue you can have…but it is a health issue. Not in your mind (as some people might think). It’s a true digestive disorder. Don’t punish yourself, deny yourself, put down yourself. IBS happens. There is no cure but you can lead a productive, active, life through managing it.