Reading Time: 2 minutes

April is being recognised as Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Awareness Month, as declared by the International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders (IFFGD).

IBS is a fairly common disease that affects anywhere between 10 – 15 per cent of a general population.

For anyone suffering from IBS, there are a number of ‘need to knows’ that can help minimise any form of bowel discomfort.

With that said, you’re not suffering alone.

THE ‘NEED TO KNOW’

1. IBS is an illness that affects the digestive system.

2. The effects of having IBS is that it generally causes stomach cramps, bloating, diarrhea and constipation (and could be confusing for women with an upcoming menstrual cycle).

3. These symptoms can be ongoing for weeks, months or longer at a time.

4. What makes matters worse is that the exact cause for this condition is unknown but the research is ongoing.

5. There might be hope after all.

Our Today’s beginners’ suggestion is to consider regularly eating a proper, healthy meal, and on time too.

HOW TO PREVENT IBS?

No need to panic, Our Today lists the general guidelines of do’s and don’ts to ensure that the symptoms are controlled.

DO

1. Make sure the majority of food eaten is homemade or fresh.

2. Eat on time (breakfast, lunch and dinner).

3. Track your daily intake in order to understand what triggers symptoms.
Take in probiotics (maybe yogurt) to help with the overall health of your digestive system.

DON’T

1. Eat unhealthy, processed foods.

2. Take forever to eat

3. Drink alcohol or carbonated drinks (soda)

4. Eat too quickly or have too much delay between meals (you don’t need to become a human vacuum)

THE MAIN POINT

Many people go online and research the causes, symptoms and cures of IBS, and while it is good to do personal research, it is even better to get confirmation from a doctor.

-Let’s start the healing process today, April isn’t done yet!