Can Irritable Bowel Syndrome Be Prevented or Only Treated
Irritable
bowel syndrome can not be prevented. This is because
the cause of this disorder is yet not known. However
IBS can be effectively treated, by alleviating
its symptoms.
Some Guidelines To Relive
The Symptoms Of IBS Include;
- Learning stress-management techniques to reduce
stress and anxiety.
- Drinking six to eight glasses of water a day.
- Avoiding alcohol or caffeine, as they can
worsen IBS symptoms.
- Selecting and eating foods carefully. Avoid
foods that appear to bring on symptoms. Eat
carefully and always know what you eat. This
can help you decipher what aggravates IBS symptoms
for you.
- Ask your doctor if you should go on a high-fiber
diet, especially if you are constipated. High-fiber
foods tend to cause gas and bloating, but this
only happens when you get too much fiber. Some
high-fiber foods include:
- Whole-grain breads and cereals
- Fruits, especially apricots, blackberries,
coconut, peaches, pears, - - - - pineapple,
and strawberries
- Nuts, especially almonds, pistachios, and
walnuts
- Vegetables, particularly sprouts, corn, popcorn,
beans
- Also eat smaller meals. Eating large meals
can sometimes trigger IBS symptoms of diarrhea
and constipation.
In your treatment of
IBS your doctor is your greatest resources. It is important that you talk with your doctor
about your symptoms and any changes you may experience.
Eat a balanced diet. While food may not be the
cause of IBS, certain foods can aggravate your
symptoms. It is vital that you work with your
doctor to choose the right combination of IBS
treatment for you. There is no one single treatment
that works for everyone.
You may need to try quite a few different therapies
before you find relief from your IBS symptoms.
Treating IBS can be frustrating, mainly because
it is a complex syndrome. However, with proper
treatment and healthy lifestyle habits, many people
with IBS can lead full and normal lives.
Some IBS sufferers also turn to alternative therapies
such as acupuncture, probiotics and herbs to relieve
their symptoms. Keep in mind, however, that most
alternative therapies have not been tested for
effectiveness.
Here are some techniques
that have worked for people with IBS:
- Relaxation therapy. The goal of this form
of therapy is to get the mind and body in a
calm, peaceful state. Techniques include meditation,
progressive muscle relaxation, visualization
and deep breathing.
- Biofeedback. This strategy uses electrical
impulses to help people recognize their body's
response to stress. Here you are taught, to
slow down your heart rate to a more relaxed
state.
- Hypnotherapy or Hypnosis. Here people are
hypnotized and visual suggestions are made to
imagine pain going away.
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. This is a form
of psychotherapy involves analyzing negative
thoughts, and replacing them with positive and
realistic thoughts.
- Traditional Psychotherapy. This involves a
one on one session with a therapist, with patients
working out their inner conflicts and understanding
their feelings.
- Acupuncture. Researchers at the National Institutes
of Health (NIH) have found that acupuncture
works for chronic pain, and in certain cases
can provide relief from IBS symptoms.
Studies on therapeutic herbs have been mixed.
Peppermint has been used to relax colon muscles;
however a possible side effect of it is heartburn.
It is important for people who want to try herbs
to go to a registered herbalist. Also talk with
your doctor first, as some herbs can interact
with other medications.
Irritable
bowel syndrome is treatable. However it is
important that you follow your doctor’s
instructions. |
