Suffering From IBS? These Helpful Tips Can Relieve Embarrassment
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a general term used to describe a chronic disorder affecting the colon, or large intestine. Symptoms may include abdominal cramping and pain, bloating, diarrhea, gas, and constipation. Unlike Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, irritable bowel syndrome does not increase the risk of colorectal cancer or cause changes in bowel tissue, but severe cases may be hard to manage. Here are some tips for the best ways to deal with irritable bowel syndrome to avoid embarrassment in public.
Carry A Change Of Clothes
No one wants to think about having an accident in public, but being prepared can help take the stress out of being out in a crowd with irritable bowel syndrome. Pack an emergency bag with a change of clothes including pants, underwear, a shirt, socks and an extra pair of shoes. It also helps to pack a plastic bag to discard trash quickly and travel size personal care items, such as antibacterial wipes, a washcloth, deodorant, body spray, and a dry towel.
Next, learn the importance of having emergency medications on hand.
Keep Emergency Medications Close By
Most individuals take their medications first thing in the morning, but it also helps to carry an emergency stash for when problems arise throughout the day. Medications for Irritable bowel syndrome may include antibiotics, immunosuppressant drugs, antacids, nerve pain medication, laxatives, antispasmodics, and anti-diarrheal medications. Even carrying a stash of probiotics or naturally anti-inflammatory teas such as peppermint, ginger, and turmericis handy to have nearby when stomach pain arises after a big meal.
Find out why it is essential to know where the bathroom is in the case of an emergency.
Know Where The Bathrooms Are
When traveling somewhere new for work or going out on the weekend to a social event, take a few extra minutes to research where the bathrooms are located. This can either be done online by searching for the venue’s website or calling on the phone and asking for a map of the bathrooms ahead of time. Doing so is a good way to prepare for emergency situations. It is also helpful to know what types of food will be offered.
Continue reading to understand why an individual should pack safe, healthy food for their IBS.
Pack Safe Foods
Keeping a journal is a good way to know which foods are safe to eat and which will bring on symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. Carry packaged fruit and nut bars or prepare homemade snacks to be kept at the office or in the car for when mealtime obligations present themselves. Fill up on safe foods before a work lunch or dinner and only take a small amount of any unsafe foods offered.
Explore what the three date rule is and how it applies to IBS now.
Use The Three Date Rule
Telling someone about an irritable bowel syndrome diagnosis on the first date might appear to be too much information, but it might be a good thing to mention by date three. Depending on the severity of the disease, it is important to pick a mate who is understanding. Letting someone know by date three will help prevent a future embarrassing event down the road, especially if eating out becomes a normal date night routine. Explaining that people with irritable bowel syndrome have many food sensitivities might be all that needs to be said.
Keep reading to discover why it is a great thing to cook at home.
Cook At Home
Learning to cook healthy foods at home is the best way to prevent an embarrassing accident in the future, especially if certain foods trigger or aggravate the condition. Experiment with new recipes at home instead of out in public to find out which type of meals work and which do not, or pick up a cookbook of IBS friendly recipes. If a recipe turns out to activate symptoms of the disease, at least there is the comfort and privacy of a bathroom nearby.
Next, unveil the significance of knowing the signs of IBS now.
Know The Signs
Individuals who have had irritable bowel syndrome for a long time usually know the signs or indications of a problem before they occur. Weight gain or weight loss, a sudden lack of appetite, abdominal pain or cramping and severe intestinal bloating or gas is a clear indication that something is not right. Ignoring these signs may result in an embarrassing situation, such as urgently needed to use the bathroom in public when there is not one around.
Continue reading to understand how exercise can trigger an unexpected bowel movement.
Exercise Indoors
Aerobic exercise can trigger unexpected bowel movements, which is problematic for people with irritable bowel syndrome. Going for a run around the neighborhood might seem like a good idea until the urge to go to the bathroom strikes. Until the disease is one hundred percent under control, workout indoors where a bathroom is nearby if needed. Or plan a route with bathroom stops along the way, such as at a state park. Be sure to take a partner along for safety.
Discover how developing habits can be highly beneficial for IBS now.
Become A Person Of Habit
Developing a meal and bathroom routine is a good way to avoid embarrassment after leaving the house. This may include eating all meals at the same time daily and freeing up time to use the bathroom every morning before heading out. Wake up early if needed to eat a healthy breakfast. Plan to spend a certain amount of time in the bathroom each morning to avoid any urgency during the day. Becoming a person of habit is a good way to take control of irritable bowel syndrome.
Learn the importance of developing an outlet when it comes to dealing with IBS now.
Develop An Outlet
Talking to other people with irritable bowel syndrome may help ease the embarrassment of having the disease. Sharing stories is a great way to de-stress and gain healthy tips for dealing with emergencies. It also contributes to feeling more understood and less alone. Grab a friend who also has irritable bowel syndrome and hit up a yoga or Pilates class together to burn stress with a low-impact exercise while exercising along with someone who understands and can help when needed.