Health Tip: Help Control IBS Symptoms
(HealthDay News) -- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) occurs when the intestines squeeze too hard -- or not hard enough -- as food passes through. Symptoms may include diarrhea or constipation, bloating, and a feeling that you still need to pass a stool, despite having recently passed one.
The American Academy of Family Physicians offers these suggestions to help control IBS symptoms:
Limit fats in your diet, and stick to a variety of healthy foods.
Boost dietary fiber or take a fiber supplement.
Avoid foods that seem to trigger your IBS symptoms.
Drink lots of water each day.
Break your meals into six smaller ones, instead of three big meals.
Don't use laxatives to treat constipation. Their use can weaken the intestines and make your body dependent on them.
Learn and adopt stress management techniques.
