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A Complete Guide to Understanding Irritable Bowel Syndrome

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Change in bowel habits can be concerning for anyone. A regular bowel movement is an indication of good digestive health. Everything you eat and drink influences your digestive system, and changing your diet can lead to changes in your bowel habits. Sometimes, moderate changes in bowel movements imply something more critical, and you should never ignore it. However, there are certain bowel disorders that you should never overlook, and one of them is IBS. Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a chronic digestive disorder that affects loads of people all around the world.

While IBS isn’t a serious health condition but it makes sense to have an individual health insurance plan in case your health takes a turn for worse and necessitates an hospitalisation.

What is Irritable Bowel Syndrome?

IBS is a chronic gastrointestinal problem which affects a person’s colon and small intestine. If you are having abdominal pain, bloating, or inconsistencies in the bowels, like constipation, diarrhoea, or both, there are chances that you might have IBS. IBS is not much of a life-threatening condition that increases the risk of there being more severe conditions, such as colon cancer. It is a recurring health condition, and you can control it through lifestyle changes, medicines and therapy.

IBS has a substantial financial toll; therefore, it is wise for you to insure your health with health insurance online for the best care if a crisis occurs or you need prolonged treatment to take care of your condition. This helps with the financial side of handling IBS in the family.

Causes of IBS

There’s no medical explanation of precisely what causes Irritable Bowel Syndrome to develop. It may develop following stress or a bacterial or parasitic infection such as giardiasis of the intestinal tract. This condition is known as postinfectious IBS. However, there may be other factors like:

Muscle Contractions within the Intestine

Muscles in the intestinal walls contract to move food along the digestive system. Strong and sustained contractions can result in flatulence, abdominal distension, and loose stools. Weak contractions could lead to a slowing down of food movement, leading to hard, dry stool.

Changes in the Nervous System

Problems with the nerves in your digestive tract can lead to bloating, or stomach aches due to gas or faeces. Inefficient communication between the brain and the intestines can lead to an exaggerated response to regular digestive process changes in your body. This may lead to pain, diarrhoea, or constipation.

Alterations in Intestinal Bacteria

Some alterations in bacteria, fungi, and viruses are usually found in the gut and are crucial for overall well-being. But it can have a negative impact as well. Studies suggest that the microorganisms present in individuals with IBS may vary from those without IBS.

Symptoms of IBS

Symptoms of IBS may not always be constant and tend to either worsen or get better. Typically, a lasting alteration in bowel patterns is a common indication of IBS. Other symptoms are:

• Unexplained Weight Loss

• Nighttime diarrhoea

• Bleeding from the rectum

• Mucus in the stool

• Anaemia caused by iron deficiency

• Unclear reasons for vomiting

• Pain that persists despite passing gas or having a bowel movement

• Abdominal discomfort, cramps, or swelling associated with defecation

• Alterations in the physical characteristics of stool

• Alterations in the frequency of your bowel movements

• A feeling of not fully emptying bowels

• Increased gas or mucus in the faeces

Treatment of IBS

There is currently no specific cure for IBS. Nevertheless, particular modifications in your life can lessen the impacts of IBS. Some examples are:

• Indulge in regular exercise, such as running or hitting the gym.

• It is essential to cut down on caffeinated beverages because caffeine leads to inconsistency in bowel movements.

• Try to manage your stress using various techniques such as counselling, mindfulness meditation, hypnosis and meditation.

• Using fibre supplements and probiotics, which are helpful bacteria found naturally in the intestines, can help reduce gas and constipation.

• Drink at least 2 litres of water daily to boost digestion and help prevent or manage constipation.

• Focus on eating a balanced diet, avoiding cheese, dairy and foods that cause gas.

• Consider choosing health insurance to get early access to treatment, reduce financial barriers, and improve health outcomes.

Tips to Avoid Trigger

• Avoid certain foods like wheat, dairy, citrus fruits, legumes, sorbitol, mannitol, xylitol, cabbage, dairy products and carbonated beverages.

• Stress and anxiety are the most common triggers for IBS, as they affect the functioning of your nervous system, which controls your digestive system.

• Getting enough sleep is also crucial for proper digestion.

• Limit your alcohol and caffeine intake, as these substances can irritate your digestive system.

• It would help if you practiced relaxation techniques such as deep breathing.

• Keeping a food diary can help you identify and avoid food triggers.

Conclusion

Living with IBS can be physically and mentally challenging, but it is possible to handle the symptoms and improve your quality of life by incorporating specific changes in your lifestyle, stress management and diet adjustments. You cannot generalise the symptoms and treatment methods, as they vary individually. There’s no guarantee that what works for others will also work for you. You must be aware of your symptoms and get medical advice when needed to take charge of your gut health and minimise the effect of this syndrome on your daily life.

Disclaimer: The above information is for illustrative purposes only. For more details, please refer to the policy wordings and prospectus before concluding the sales.

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