The cause of irritable bowel syndrome is largely unknown.
First, you need to get tested to identify if you have any food allergies. You can also test yourself for food allergies at home by going off the most common foods that cause allergies, like dairy products, eggs, gluten, corn, soya, and peanuts. You need to be off these foods for 12 weeks, and when you begin to eat them again one after another, you would realize which one gives you irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
You could also try home remedies if your symptoms are mild, but first have a talk with your doctor to see what lifestyle changes you can carry out at home to ease IBS.
Exercising and eating a balanced diet is an antidote to most health issues, so is it with irritable bowel syndrome. As stress and anxiety are sometimes cited as the cause of IBS, doing regular exercise can reduce the symptoms, since exercising reduces stress. Along with exercise, you need to learn the art of relaxation.
If one of your symptoms is constipation, then consuming a diet rich in fiber is helpful. Fiber effectively works to regulate bowel movement. However, remember it must be added gradually so that it does not increase bloating or gas. Instead of a dietary fiber, it may be possible that the doctor prescribes a fiber supplement.
If milk is causing you problems, then have yoghurt. If your doctor recommends that you go completely off milk, then you must ensure you are getting proteins and calcium from other sources.
Some vegetables that can cause severe bloating and gas are beans, cabbage, cauliflower, and broccoli. Other products like alcohol, chocolate, and coffee also cause symptoms beside dairy products.
Blood in the stools may not be a sign of IBS, but consult a doctor about it immediately.
If these do not work, then you have to take medications, especially if you have severe symptoms. Doctors sometimes also prescribe an antibiotic medicine if they find that the symptoms are caused by bacteria.
Treatment with probiotics is also quite effective. However, don’t just begin the treatment on your own, take advice from your doctor to find out which of the probiotic capsules you should take.
Digestive enzymes are also prescribed to people with irritable bowel syndrome; this helps to heal the gut, and other nutrients like fish oil are also recommended.
Sometimes antidiarrhea medication is prescribed that can control diarrhea and pain.
