iPain Living Magazine — 31
A Quick Introduction
To IBS
IBS is a chronic, long-term, condition
with variable degrees of severity
and varying symptoms. As
the body changes so does the nature
of the problem. At its most
basic, IBS causes long-term discomfort
in the bowel area including
diarrhea and constipation.
Factors which affect IBS include
dietary factors and emotional factors.
This condition is especially
prominent in people on the autism
spectrum and may be a part of
their body’s overreaction to stimuli
and external information, not to
mention increased levels of emotional
distress.
Are Low-Carb Diets
A Solution?
Low carb diets including the ketogenic
diet were first developed to
help epilepsy sufferers, but smallscale
studies are demonstrating
that they may help relieve some of
the symptoms of IBS too. This is
especially seen in IBS sufferers
with diarrhea issues.
Again, discuss this with your doctor
first. A low-carb diet such as
the ketogenic diet has pros and it
has cons. You’ll need to maintain
a healthy, balanced diet and keep
track of your health. This will include
using a ketone blood meter
to check your ketone levels. This
is especially the case if you experience
nausea, flu like symptoms,
have a dry mouth, are pregnant,
diagnosed with diabetes, have
fruity breath or suffer brain fog.
IBS Pain
Management
Sadly, IBS is currently impossible
to solve. This means that the variable
nature of IBS pain will be
long-term. However, it can be
managed. As mentioned above,
diet is key. Cook homemade
meals with fresh ingredients, find
ways to relax, get plenty of exercise,
and try probiotics.
Make sure you eat in the right
manner. Do so consistently and do
not skip meals. Avoid alcohol and
fizzy/soda drinks and reduce caffeinated
drinks to 3 or less. There
are some medicines which can
reduce bloating and cramps, and
others which can ease diarrhea.
Talk to your doctor or physician
before using them.
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