Alosetron (Lotronex) or Lubiprostone (Amitiza) are two common IBS medications. Antispasmodics: These are designed to relax the smooth muscles of the colon to ease cramping and spasms. Two such medications are hyoscine (Levsin) and dicyclomine (Bentyl).
While we don't know what causes IBS, we do know that flare-ups are often triggered by food, caffeine, stress, carbonated drinks, artificial sugars, or infectious diarrhea. The more IBS episodes you have, the more sensitive your gut becomes to triggers.
Peanut Butter is a Low FODMAP Food
If you have IBS and love peanut butter, good news! Peanut butter is a low FODMAP food. In its simplest form, it is just made of dry roasted peanuts, salt and oil, all of which are allowed on a low FODMAP diet.
But many people have worse IBS symptoms when they eat or drink certain foods or beverages. These include wheat, dairy products, citrus fruits, beans, cabbage, milk and carbonated drinks. Stress. Most people with IBS experience worse or more-frequent symptoms during periods of increased stress.
Mesalamine, a 5-aminosalicylic acid is an anti-inflammatory drug and extensively used for treating inflammatory bowel disease. The presence of low-grade inflammation and mucosal immune activation in IBS provides the rationale for using mesalamine in IBS patients.
Although a temporary solution, antidiarrheal medications such as Diphenoxylate (Lomotil) and over-the-counter Loperamide are great in helping patients manage IBS with diarrhea. Pepto-Bismol also has a good anti-spasm and antidiarrhea effect, as does enteric coated peppermint extract.
Warren says that in her work with patients who exhibit certain kinds of gut hypersensitivity, hunger sensations or lack of food can be a trigger. She explains that certain IBS symptoms can occur in response to the stomach being empty in these individuals. Symptoms can include: pain.
Many people with IBS can enjoy popcorn, as it's a low FODMAP food and a great source of fiber. However, if you have symptoms triggered by eating insoluble fiber, such as gas and bloating, you may want to limit or avoid popcorn.
If you have gone gluten-free to better manage your IBS and miss eating bread, you may want to try sourdough. This bread stands out from others because it's missing a key ingredient that tends to aggravate IBS.
Certain grains: Gluten-free oatmeal and brown rice are usually well-received by people with IBS and provide soluble fiber, which helps regulate bowel movements.
Include plenty of probiotic-rich foods like kimchi, kombucha, miso, or sauerkraut. Sometimes, you can also eat yogurt if you are not allergic to dairy. Try unsweetened sheep or goat yogurt. These are all foods that help your gut flora get and stay healthy.
Probiotics may relieve symptoms of IBS
The American College of Gastroenterology conducted a meta-analysis of more than 30 studies, which found that probiotics may improve overall symptoms, as well as bloating and flatulence, in people with IBS.
IBS symptoms, such as stomach pain, diarrhea, gas and bloating, often interfere with your life. But IBS is manageable. Though there is no cure, you can improve symptoms through diet and lifestyle changes. If you have stomach symptoms that aren't going away, talk to your healthcare provider.
The chronic pain (pain lasting 6 months or longer) in IBS can be felt anywhere in the abdomen (belly), though is most often reported in the lower abdomen. It may be worsened soon after eating, and relieved or at times worsened after a bowel movement. It is not always predictable and may change over time.
No significant association was observed between water intake and odds of IBS in either gender as well [for men: OR: 1.15; 95% CI: 0.59–2.24 and for women: OR: 1.15; 95% CI: 0.62–2.12].
It is well known that dietary FODMAPs can trigger gut symptoms in people with IBS. However, as FODMAPs have their effects mostly in the small and large intestine, it usually takes at least 4 hours after eating a high FODMAP meal for FODMAP-related symptoms to occur (see blog on timing of symptoms here).
Sleep position and IBS
Sleeping on your back or left side can alleviate IBS symptoms by putting your gut in a better position to adequately digest food and do its job. Sleeping on the right side, on the other hand, can make IBS symptoms worse.
Some OTC treatments may help to improve both diarrhea and constipation from IBS. Peppermint oil, probiotics, vitamin D, and beta-glucan fiber are among the popular choices. However, peppermint oil and probiotics are the only OTC products recommended by the American College of Gastroenterology for IBS.