| Strategize
According to Van Vorous, managing IBS involves
five key strategies:
- Diet
While most doctors will recommend "more fiber" to IBS sufferers,
Van Vorous distinguishes between "soluble fiber" (found
in foods such as pasta, rice, potatoes, cooked carrots,
and white bread) and "insoluble fiber" (roughage such as
fresh raw veggies, whole wheat, and bran). Soluble fiber
is soothing to the gut, and should form the foundation of
every meal. Insoluble fibers should be eaten with care,
in small amounts, and later in the meal. Van Vorous also
recommends avoiding fats and a variety of "trigger foods"
that cause nearly all IBS sufferers trouble. Visit Van Vorous'
website for IBS
Dietary Strategies.
- Stress Management
Keeping relaxed can help minimize the effect of IBS attacks.
Van Vorous recommends regular exercise, good sleep habits,
meditation, yoga,
and tai chi as ways to keep calm and relaxed.
- Prescription Medications
Your doctor can suggest prescriptions that will help relieve
some of the symptoms of IBS, such as antispasmodics to slow
bowel contractions and antidepressants for extreme pain.
- Alternative Therapies
Studies have suggested that gut-directed
hypnosis has been effective in treating the symptoms
of IBS. Acupuncture is also worth considering.
- Supplements
Most doctors recommend regular supplements of soluble fiber,
such as Citrucel or Benefiber, to soothe the gut. A variety
of herbal
teas, enzymes, and other supplements can also help
alleviate symptoms.
The key, Van Vorous advises, is to view your treatment holistically.
"There is no simple cure to IBS. It's really all about lifestyle
management."
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