Beat IBS!

Written by Barbie Broschart   

Q: Recently a few people I know told me they were diagnosed with IBS. I’ve been having some stomach issues lately, and I wonder if I have it, too?
—Lilly, 24, Saratoga, New York

A: So funny that you asked this question — I recently saw a patient who was suffering from IBS, otherwise known as Irritable Bowel Syndrome, a gastrointestinal disorder. Unfortunately for us ladies, we’re twice as likely to get it as men! It’s been estimated that nearly 1 out of every 5 adults in the U.S. suffers from IBS.

A brief warning: This topic involves talking about bowel movements. OK, you’ve been sufficiently warned! In order to be diagnosed with IBS, you need to have a few of these symptoms, whether continuous or recurrent, for at least three months: abdominal pain; changes in bowel patterns, including frequency (3 per day or less than 3 per week) and consistency (lumpy/hard, loose/watery); feelings of urgency; passing of mucus; bloating; and abdominal distention. About 40% of people diagnosed with IBS have some form of lactose intolerance. IBS can be genetic, but it can also be stress-related.

If you have several of these symptoms, you should seek medical attention — especially if you’re losing weight, have a fever, or keep, well, going and going. There’s no cure for IBS, but you can alleviate its symptoms by changing your diet. Here’s how:

Keep a food diary: This will allow you to track the foods that are causing problems. Common offenders include chocolate, gluten, eggs, and dairy. Chuck whatever causes symptoms! You may need to avoid beans, cruciferous vegetables, and foods that are high in sugar.

Hydrate: Drinking plenty of fluids is critical, especially if you’re blocked up. Eight 8-ounce glasses of water is the common recommendation, but you may need more depending on how much fluid you’re losing. Regular exercise and increasing fiber in the diet slowly gets things moving down there, too! Exercise can also help us de-stress. 

Get checked: If you’re experiencing symptoms, I highly recommend going to your doctor so you can see a dietitian stat — each case is very individual and a personalized diet can help alleviate symptoms.