What You Need To Know About IBS

How much do you know about IBS? Are you aware that there are different types of IBS? Did you know that it is separate from IBD? Do you know the distinction between the two? Perhaps someone you know is affected by one of these digestive disorders. Let’s take some time to learn more about IBS, its variations, and how they affect the human body.

IBS is a health condition, which affects the stomach and intestines. People who suffer from it frequently experience gas, intestinal cramping, and diarrhea. If a person has IBS, it can take them longer to do things or arrive to functions because they must factor in time to use the restroom. Some days are better than others and some days are worse. When a person is having a bad day or few days, they might refer to it as a “flare” which means that their digestive system is inflamed, and they feel discomfort for most of the day or days. When flares happen, most people try to restrict their diet, and eat things, which are less likely to upset their stomachs.

 They may be forced to cancel plans, or modify them. For instance, if there was a family picnic planned at a public park, it might be better to relocate it to a family member’s backyard so that there is easy access to a restroom. People with IBS enjoy activities with family and friends, and it is essential that their loved ones have patience with their unpredictable digestive systems. They cannot help it, nor can they really predict when their IBS will flare up and cause interruptions. Kindness, patience and understanding are key factors if you have a loved one who has IBS.

If you are very close to this person, you may be privy to the details of their condition. You might learn which of the three types of IBS they have. Some people have IBS-D, which means Irritable Bowel Syndrome with diarrhea. They get cramps, bloating, gas and loose, watery bowel movements. They have frequent and sudden urges to use the restroom. 

Other people suffer from IBS-C, which means Irritable Bowel Syndrome with constipation. These people still get cramps, bloating and gas, but they have hard, lumpy bowel movements, which occur infrequently, and can take a long time to produce once the person has found a restroom to use. This can be very frustrating and time-consuming. 

Finally, there is a third type of IBS, where the person who has it has both diarrhea and constipation, though not at the same time. Their bodies go back and forth between the two extremes. When a person who has this type of IBS experiences constipation, they may take medication to loosen their stools. Sometimes those medications produce diarrhea, so then the person would take an anti-diarrheal medication, which would cause constipation. This can develop into a vicious cycle and can make the IBS worse than it should be. It is important that if you suffer from any one of the three types of IBS, you do not attempt to self medicate or self treat. Instead, make an appointment with a naturopathic doctor so that you can use their wisdom, education and guidance for the benefit of your body and health.

Does someone you know suffer from IBS? Is it you? Pick up the phone and call for an appointment today, so you can begin to feel better, faster.