I was diagnosed with IBS-C a while ago, I got on the Low Fodmap Diet, and it has helped a lot, but it hasn't completely fixed the problem.
Stress is a big part of IBS, and I'm doing what I can to lower my stress, but I want to know what other people with IBS do to reduce their stress?
I am a writer and I try to satirise stressful situations in my poetry. I turn the stressful incidents into something I can laugh at.
Try lying down and listening to meditation music or something soothing that you like
Hello Sorry to hear you are suffering with stress. As suggested meditation is a good idea and does help, There are lots on line, also look for mindfulness. I have just started a 2nd course of CBT a bit more intense this time round. Maybe this might help it looks at how you think affects the way to feel and what you do. Not sure where you are but I am in the UK and you can be referred through gp or in my case I could self refer on line. Is is just the IBS that causes you stress or are there other problems as well. Sorry I can't help more but I can sympathise with you being an anxiety sufferer myself.
I am glad the LOW FODMAP has helped. I am just about to start the same. Also being a IBS-C sufferer and well as diverticulosis I am worried about making the constipation worse. Any tips and how have you found the diet. Are there any foods which you have found out don't suit you. I would love to hear from you.
I live in Australia and it works similar here; getting a referral from your doctor to go to psychologists, etc. I was thinking about starting a yoga or meditation class, but I am just wondering what other people are doing for some ideas that may help.
As far as the low fodmap diet goes, it shouldn't make your IBS worse, it's supposed to be easier on digestion. I think the biggest help for me is cutting out dairy, switching to almond milk, and just eating a lot more fruit. Almond milk takes a bit to get used to, but I quite like the nutty flavour in my tea now
Hello again I would of thought it would be a good idea to go to a meditation or yoga class. I assume you are quite young so that would be great for you. I am 70 years old and have arthritis and other health problems so walking and singing in a rock choir is my exercise and relaxation. I had thought about trying a zumba cass the ones designed for older people but have had so much back trouble lately have not got round to it yet.
Can I ask did you cut out bread completely or just cut down or change to gluten free when you first started the diet. I don't think dairy is my problem but you never know so I have ordered some lactose free milk to try with my shopping. I will then try the others like almond if I don't like it. I only drink skimmed cows milk on porridge and in tea which I have cut down in favour or more water, peppermint tea and decaf green tea.
I do hope you can find something that helps with your stress, it is a vicious circle I know Ibs plays up get stressed about it then it keeps it going.
Let us know on the forum how you get on.
Best wishes Carol
Yeah, I'm 31 years old and trying to get my life sorted out
My dietician recommended sourdough bread, which I tried to begin with, but at this point I've completely cut out bread, I know bread did cause a lot of bloating for me. She also told me to stick to a strict low fodmap diet for 6 weeks before slowely bringing other foods back in to see which foods "trigger" the IBS. It's been long past that point now, but I stay fairly close to the low fodmap diet, it's healthy and I don't mind it.
My mother had arthritis, swimming and doing light exercises in a heated pool really helped her out, just thought I'd mention that, it may help.