IBS Awareness Month

If you are apart of the 10-15% of people suffering from IBS - you are not alone.

It’s that time of the month again, we have hit April! The time of the year where it is so important to increase awareness, understanding and education around the very common issue that is Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).

Common Symptoms:

• Diarrhoea

• Wind

• Fatigue

• Bloating

• Stomach cramps or pain

• Constipation

• Sleeping difficulty

Breakfast - Try not to skip it as consuming some food has been proven to aid constipation relief.

Exercise - Making sure you're getting up and moving whenever you can is so important. It really gets you and your gut moving, helping to give you potential relief of bloating.

Eat regular, smaller meals - This is to avoid overwhelming the gut. Especially if you are going out for dinner or have a big event, its a good idea to slowly build up your stomach throughout the day to avoid your body over-reacting to foods it may not agree with when you go out.

Hydration, hydration - Water is always essential! Your body needs to be regularly hydrated throughout the day to maintain optimal function (you can bet that means your gut) and to prevent dehydration

Symptom diary and medical intervention - If you have not been diagnosed with IBS or think are displaying symptoms, try keeping a symptom diary to monitor yourself throughout the day, and seek medical help from your GP or a Dietitian as soon as possible.

—> Check out our free food diary in our eProducts section (download yours now)

Tips & Tricks

Relax - Incorporate relaxation techniques and mediation into your daily schedule. If your relaxed mentally then naturally your body will physically follow your lead.

Sleep - Abdominal pain and cramping are few of the many symptoms that come with IBS and sleep is crucial. Try to get into a routine of winding down at the same time of night, and waking up the same time in the morning, and try to reduce any caffeine intake at least 4hrs before bed.

Monitor your fibre intake - For some people increasing intake of fibre can help their symptoms, however for others it can only worsen the situation. Keep a food diary or keep an eye out on your fibre intake throughout the day and monitor any symptoms that can indicate to you whether an increase or decrease in fibre may provide some symptom relief.