Eating a balanced diet and reducing stress

Although there is no cure for IBS, here are 5 common ways to help you manage your symptoms through lifestyle changes.

Eating better

If you suffer from IBS, the actual process of eating can sometimes set off your symptoms.

• Consider eating healthy mini-meals throughout the day instead of 3 large ones
• Eat at regular times to help regulate your bowel function
• Take your time and chew your food slowly to aid digestion and prevent gas
• Stay away from foods that can worsen your symptoms

Eating fiber

Increasing the amount of fiber you eat may have an impact on your bowel function.

• Whole grain breads and cereals, fruits, and vegetables are good sources of fiber. High fiber diets keep the colon mildly distended, which may help prevent spasms.
• Some forms of fiber keep water in the stool, thereby preventing hard stools that are difficult to pass. Doctors usually recommend a diet with enough fiber to produce soft, painless bowel movements.

Stay hydrated

If you are experiencing diarrhea it's important that you stay hydrated, since diarrhea causes the loss of fluids.

Reducing the effects of stress

Stress is a part of everyday life. Learning other ways to deal with stress may help reduce its impact on your IBS symptoms. Talk to your healthcare provider to see if these should be part of your treatment.

• Join a support group to solve problems and share solutions
• Exercise regularly, ideally each day
• Change stressful situations in your life
• Try to get enough sleep so your body and mind are relaxed

Learn to relax

There are some relaxation techniques that may help you reduce stress and help manage your symptoms. Ask your healthcare provider if these may help you.

• Meditation
• Yoga