IBS-

By: Dr. Keith Kantor

 

What are some morning habits that can help prevent IBS? How does each one of these habits individually affect IBS?

 

Avoid trigger foods in the morning, you can find your trigger foods by keeping a journal of which foods tend to cause an IBS flare up.

 

Consume small balanced meals more frequently rather than large meals, this will allow the digestive tract to not have to work as hard by moving smaller amounts of food.

 

Ease your way into a high fiber diet rich in fruit, vegetables and whole grains. If you change your diet dramatically it could cause your body to have a flare up. Fiber is important because it helps move food through the intestine more easily but it can also cause bloating, gas and slight pain if done to quickly.

 

Avoid caffeine and alcohol, these tend to stimulate the intestine and may cause a flare up. Instead drink caffeine free teas or all natural plain hydroxide water. Hydroxide water will help clear the detoxification pathways, decrease inflammation by eliminating acids and help ultra-hydrate by forming water in the body.

 

Establish a normal eating routine and meal times, this way your bowls will get used to going at specific times per day and you will less likely have a flare up being on a schedule.

 

What morning habits could make IBS worse?

Stress, if you have a hectic morning at work or getting your family off to school you may experience a flare up. Make sure you give yourself enough time and do not have to rush or feel stressed. Start your morning out with meditation to calm your mind. Also avoid caffeine, as listed above from coffee, some teas or energy drinks.

 

 

Are there any surprising causes of IBS/things that could exacerbate IBS symptoms?

Artificial sweeteners that contain sugar alcohols such as sorbitol, mannitol and xylitol may cause diarrhea , these may be found in diet foods or meal replacement bars, etc. Carbonated drinks can produce gas and may feel uncomfortable with IBS.

As mentioned above most people do not realize how much of an impact stress has on IBS, if you have a stressful lifestyle try to seek professional help from a therapist or support group.