Today, one of popular disorders of the intestines is IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome). It is a long-term health problem, and therefore the IBS symptoms or signs may also persist for a long time. But the good news, this disorder usually doesn't cause shorten life expectancy or generate other serious diseases.
How about with the causes of irritable bowel syndrome? Unfortunately, the clearly cause of this syndrome is still not known. But there are some health experts who believe that there may be a link between this disorder and the failure communication (or miscommunication) between the brain and the muscles of intestinal to move.
IBS risk factors
There is about 7-10 percent of people in this world may have IBS. But most of them usually don’t get to check up their disorder to their doctor.
So, what are risk factors of IBS (factors that can increase your risk of irritable bowel syndrome)? Here are some of them:
- People with some other health problems like fibromyalgia, migraine, and depression.
- If you have family history of IBS, then your risk to get the same condition is relatively higher than other people who don’t have family history of this disorder!
- Women! In fact, IBS is relatively more common in women than in men.
- Individuals who have a history of sexual or physical abuse! Furthermore, people with psychological trauma are also believed can have higher risk of IBS.
- Individuals with panic disorder.
- And individuals in their late 20s.
Talk with your doctor to get more detailed information about risk factors of irritable bowel syndrome.
Lifestyle changes and diet for people with IBS
Most of people with this syndrome still have chance to treat this disorder. But there is no one type of treatment that can work as well for everyone.
Your IBS can improve over time by doing a few basic changes in activities and diet. And below are some helpful tips to reduce and control your IBS symptoms:
- Try to keep relax and far away from stress by having more exercise or regular exercise!
- Keep hydrated! You should drink adequate water /day, at least about 4 glasses of water or more per day.
- Avoid bad habits, particularly like smoking!
- Eat more foods that are rich in fiber. Eat more fresh vegetables and fruits every day. This idea is also good to keep fit your body, isn’t it!
- Avoid consuming caffeine for better result. Caffeine is so familiar to be found in coffee, sodas, and even tea.
- Make sure all foods that you eat in moderation!
- You may be suggested by your dietitian to reduce the intake of dairy products. But don’t forget to keep well the intake of your calcium. You can try other foods to substitute milk and cheese, like sardines, salmon, broccoli, spinach, tofu, fat-free yogurt, and so on.
- You may be also suggested to keep record every food that you eat to find out what are specific foods that can triggers your IBS symptoms. Generally, some foods that can trigger IBS symptoms are cow’s milk, red wine, red peppers, wheat, green unions, and so on.
- And don’t forget to follow all instructions from your doctor and dietitian.
Additionally, some types of drugs that are used for the treatment of IBS are Zelnorm, Amitiza, Bulking agents, Antidiarrheal medications, Antidepressants, Laxatives, and Antispasmotics! But don’t miss to make sure that all drugs that you take to treat your IBS are recommended or prescribed by your doctor.
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