Last time you dropped by, you read about plenty of extra-intestinal IBS symptoms. This week, readers will learn about the treatments for extra-intestinal symptoms. Find a doctor at Gastroenterology Consultants of Central Florida who provides a strong doctor-patient relationship.

Whole body interventions:

Having a strong doctor-patient relationship will prove beneficial for both you and the doctor, especially in treating IBS. If a doctor shrugs off gastro issues as unimportant, you should search for a doctor that will provide comfort. Feeling heard is important when finding the right doctor.

Every doctor should take your health concerns seriously to work and develop an effective treatment plan. The plan should address every physical complaint. Discussing interventions that address the body as a whole can prove to be very effective as opposed to honing in on the gut.

There are a handful of ways you can begin treating IBS. For starters, dietary modifications may be challenging, but in some cases, they can completely relieve some symptoms such as bloating or acid reflux. Check out past blogs that share foods to avoid for people with IBS.

Figuring out which foods set off IBS symptoms is usually hard to do but well worth having patience and perseverance. Because every IBS case is different, there is no one-size-fits-all diet recommendation. Unfortunately, each patient will have to decide which foods flares up IBS symptoms.

For example, for patients with diarrhea-predominant IBS, or IBS-D, will not have the same dietary triggers as those with constipation-predominant IBS, or IBS-D. People with IBS are usually directed to avoid FODMAPs to decrease the effects of IBS. We have past blogs with plenty of information on FODMAPs, and you can continue to do your own research.

Unlike other gastro issues, IBS does not cause intestinal damage like IBD does. According to 2021 guidelines, sensitivity to gluten is one of the most commonly reported reactions to food by patients with IBS. However, more often than not, every person with IBS will need a tailored dietary plan to reduce symptoms.

All dietary changes should be done under the supervision of an experienced gastroenterologist. If you notice a certain food flares up symptoms, write it down to share with your doctor at your next visit. An elimination diet is a great tool when patients need direction pointing out troubling foods.

Elimination diet:

An elimination diet does just what it sounds like. Suspected trigger foods are removed from the diet and gradually reintroduced to see which cause IBS symptoms. Sometimes, none of the foods eliminate  issues.

This process may have to continue until all foods you ever eat are tested. Patience is key when treating IBS. It rarely ever looks identical to any other case. A nutritionist or dietician may be needed to fully treat IBS.

Low-FODMAP diet:

FODMAPs are short-chain carbohydrates found in many foods. They tend to ferment and increase the volume of liquid and gas in the small and large intestine. FODMAP is an acronym for fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols.

When FODMAPs are not limited, it can lead to bloating, abdominal pain, and flatulence. Discuss your  IBS concerns with an experienced gastroenterologist. Make an appointment soon to avoid worsening issues.

Staff Writer