IBS Bloating
IBS Bloating and Ways to Prevent It
Not many years ago doctors would tell their patients that irritable bowel syndrome and bloating are not related and that bloating was just a figment of their imagination. However researchers and clinical studies have proven that these doctors to be incorrect. Today, as a result of research finding and clinical trials we know IBS bloating is a real term and that IBS and bloating are very much related. If you have irritable bowel syndrome and you are suffering from bloating then continue reading this article. In this article I’ll discuss the causes of and solutions to IBS bloating.
IBS bloating is caused primarily by gas build up in the body and this build up has two primary sources. The first and most obvious source of gas build up is the consumption of known gas producing foods. We all know the consequences of eating beans! The second reason for gas buildup is a lack of physical activity. Physical activity gets the blood flowing in our body increasing the metabolism and thereby speeding up the bodies processes. The different positions of the body during physical activity also facilitate the movement and absorption of gas through the body. Typically a sufferer of severe IBS bloating is a victim of both of these sources of gas buildup.
In order to treat bloating it is important to reduce the gas buildup. Perhaps the easiest way is to eliminate gas producing foods from the diet. Foods like cabbage, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, carbonated drinks, beer and other alcoholic beverages generate considerable intestinal gases. Changing your diet is a vital first step. The second step would be the addition of physical activity. Go for a walk, do some mild aerobic exercise, take up yoga. All of these activities are low impact are easy to incorporate into most IBS sufferers daily routine. If you can, try to incorporate some activity immediately after meals for the best results.
In addition to eliminating the above mentioned foods, increasing the fiber content consumed can definitely help reduce IBS bloating. Fiber is a key dietary ingredient that significantly helps regulate bowel movement and prevents the build up of gas. Some fiber rich products can still cause gas, beans being a great example. Try to incorporate multi-grain products, whole grain products and safe fruits and vegetables in small quantities into your diet. Another way to avoid IBS bloating is to consume 5-7 small meals rather than consuming 3 large meals; smaller meals puts lesser pressure on the gastro intestinal track.
Each of these solutions will help regulate bowel activity and thereby eliminate gas buildup in the body. If you find it hard to change your diet, try fiber supplements or over the counter solutions. There is both prescription and non-prescription help for bloating. Please see a medical professional before implementing this sort of regimen as medications have side effects and the life of most medications is often short lived. Antispasmodic medicines help in relieving pain but they can also help in relieving IBS bloating. There are some medications that can make IBS bloating worse and these medicines should be avoided. Antidepressants are one of them so if you’re suffering from IBS bloating you should avoid antidepressants.
