How To Manage An IBS Flare Up

Irritable bowel syndrome ‘flare ups’ are often unexpected and never come at a convenient time. The problem being that IBS symptoms are rather embarrassing, so what is the best way to manage them?

Here are my top tips.

1. Make an honest evaluation of whether you can continue your day or not. Often people continue to go to work and realistically, the stress of being at work is only going to make things much worse. Instead, consider working from home or being honest with your boss and taking some time off to sort things out.
2. Don’t skip meals. When you are having digestive problems, eating may be the last thing you want to do. But, skipping meals will cause more gas to build up creating pain and bloating. And, in addition to this, if you suffer from constipation – the lack of stimulus in your gut will slow things down even more.
3. Keep hydrated. IBS – D will result in fluid loss and IBS – C may be attributed to by lack of fluid, so either way – keep hydrated by sipping water throughout the day.
4. Peppermint tea. Peppermint tea can help to settle the gut and also keeps you well hydrated.
5. Practise mindfulness. Whether you are taking 10 minutes to rest your mind or a hot bath, putting in some relaxation time will work wonders for your gut as stress releases hormones which will agitate symptoms.
6. Carry your ‘can’t wait’ card. The IBS network supply IBS sufferers with credit card sized cards which allow you to use a toilet when presented in places such as shops. They are widely recognised and are a discrete way to accessing a toilet minus the embarrassment of a public explanation. Read more about this here: https://www.theibsnetwork.org/cant-wait-card/

If you would like more dietitian advice on how to manage your bowels and avoid irritable bowel syndrome symptoms please contact me.