

tricyclic antidepressants to help ease pain.Some drugs are used to treat all symptoms of IBS, while other drugs are focused on specific symptoms. This will help your doctor avoid any medication that could interact with what you are already taking. Different people can respond differently to the same medication, so you may need to work with your doctor to find the right medication for you.Īs with all medications, when considering a new treatment option, it’s important to tell your doctor what you are already taking, including herbal remedies and over-the-counter (OTC) medications. If your symptoms do not improve through home remedies, such as lifestyle or dietary changes, your doctor may suggest medication therapy. Studies have shown links between FODMAPs and some common digestive issues.īecause IBS symptoms vary among people with the condition, approaches to dietary changes need to vary. This includes eating smaller meals and avoiding foods that trigger symptoms.Ī common eating pattern that doctors and registered dietitians recommend for IBS is the low FODMAP diet.Ī FODMAP is a kind of carbohydrate found inside certain foods. quitting smoking if you smoke since IBS may be more prevalent among people who smokeįor some people, dietary changes can go a long way in helping ease symptoms.taking probiotics (“good” bacteria normally found in the intestines) to help relieve gas and bloating.minimizing stress (talk therapy, mindfulness, hypnotherapy, and meditation practices may help).limiting consuming caffeinated beverages since caffeine stimulates the intestines.participating in regular physical activity, such as exercising.Examples of these lifestyle changes include: What home remedies can help treat IBS?Ĭertain home remedies or lifestyle changes may help relieve your IBS symptoms without the use of medication. These home remedies are typically suggested before the use of medication. Initially, your doctor may have you make certain lifestyle changes. Treatment is aimed at symptom relief and prevention. foods that contain sorbitol, mannitol, or xylitol.Some foods that you may need to limit or exclude include: It may help to keep a food diary for a while to learn which foods are triggers for you.

However, some of these foods may have a greater effect on you than on others. More often, certain foods can be common triggers for many people with IBS. It is also believed that IBS is affected by the immune system, which is also affected by stress. If you have IBS, your colon may be overly responsive to even slight disruptions of your digestive system. This means that stress can affect your nerves, making your digestive system overactive. Your nervous system, to a great degree, controls the automatic movement, or motility, of your digestive system. This 2021 study notes that stress and anxiety can be triggers for IBS symptoms for many people. For many people, the key to managing IBS symptoms is to track and avoid triggers.
