Doctor: Great question! I have seen tons of irritable bowel syndrome over the years. Whether you have a combination of cramping pains, gas, bloating after you eat certain foods, constipation alternating with diarrhea and anything in between, it can be fear-striking to wonder when irritable bowel symptoms will hit next. If you are driving and having to immediately pull over, scrambling to look for a bathroom, or weary of spending the whole day out and about, then you need to keep reading!
Often a diagnosis of irritable bowel means exactly what it says:
An irritable bowel…nothing more, nothing less.
So what to do?
There are 4 main areas I focus on when treating irritable bowel syndrome:
1. Diet: food sensitivities often need to be avoided for a period of time and any irritating foods to the bowels. Also, there are certain foods known to irritate the bowel more then others, and avoiding those for a period of time while the gut heals is often a good idea.
2. Stressors: both internal and external can be looked at. Try modalities such as acupuncture, biofeedback, craniosacral therapy, lifestyle counselling, mind-body awareness techniques, exercise etc.
3. Supplements: many are available and work beautifully to create more harmonious digestive systems.
4. Deep breathing exercises and body control techniques. (Learn how to relax the gut and prevent spasms through visualization and calming techniques).
So, yes there is hope to change! It is worth the effort to try another strategy and sometimes, you just need a fresh perspective on things to re-invigorate you and your body`s ability to heal itself.
Best In Health,
Dr. Alexina Mehta
www.dralexinamehta.com
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