Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Management in Newtown, Bucks County PA
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a common digestive disorder that affects the large intestine, causing symptoms like abdominal pain, bloating, gas, and irregular bowel movements. At Primary Prevention Center in Newtown, Bucks County, personalized IBS management focuses on dietary adjustments, stress reduction, and lifestyle changes. Michael Como provides tailored care to help alleviate symptoms and improve digestive health. For more information contact us or request an appointment online. We are located at 638 Newtown-Yardley Road Suite 2G Newtown, PA 18940.
Table of Contents:
What foods trigger IBS?
How do you fix IBS?
What is the main cause of irritable bowel syndrome?
What are the 4 types of IBS?
A variety of foods can trigger IBS, such as:
• Fried, fatty, or processed foods – Burgers, fries, bacon, cookies, chips, and similar foods can trigger IBS and lead to bloating and constipation.
• Dairy products – Lactose products, such as ice cream, cheese, and yogurt, are often problematic for people diagnosed with IBS.
• Certain vegetables – Vegetables in the cruciferous family, such as broccoli, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, and cauliflower, tend to cause gas and bloating. Instead, people with IBS should try sweet potatoes, green peas, and carrots, as these tend to be easier on the stomach.
• Caffeinated or carbonated drinks – Coffee, energy drinks, soft drinks, and some teas can trigger IBS symptoms like diarrhea.
• Refined grains – Bread, cereals, and kinds of pasta that are refined rather than whole grain can lead to IBS-related constipation. It’s important to choose good sources of fiber, such as whole-grain options, beans, vegetables, and fruits.
While there is no specific cure for IBS, there are several ways to manage this condition to prevent it from interfering with daily life as much as possible. If you’ve been diagnosed with IBS, there are a few things to keep in mind:
• Dietary changes – You can alleviate the symptoms of IBS by being mindful of what foods you eat. Cutting out certain foods can help minimize symptoms like gas, constipation, and diarrhea. It’s recommended to have homemade meals with fresh ingredients as often as you can. In addition, it’s important to get enough fiber in your diet.
• Medications – Depending on your symptoms, your healthcare provider may recommend medications to alleviate your discomfort.
• Probiotics – Many patients find that taking probiotics provides significant relief from their IBS symptoms. You should consult your doctor about which probiotics to try and how long to use them for the best outcomes.
• Stress management – Stress is a well-known trigger for IBS symptoms, so incorporating stress-reduction techniques, such as meditation or yoga, into your routine can be highly beneficial.
• Regular exercise – To maintain your wellness, including a healthy digestive system, it’s important to get enough physical activity consistently.
There is no specific cause of IBS; it is thought that the condition develops as a result of various interconnected factors. Some of the factors that appear to play a role in the development of IBS include:
• Muscle contractions in the intestine – The walls of the intestines are lined with layers of muscle that contract as they move food through your digestive tract. Stronger or longer-than-normal contractions can cause gas, bloating, and diarrhea, whereas weak intestinal contractions can slow food passage.
• Severe infection – Some people develop IBS after suffering from an acute gastrointestinal infection caused by bacteria or viruses. This is known as post-infectious IBS.
• Nervous system issues – Poorly coordinated nerve signals from the digestive system to the brain can cause IBS symptoms, such as pain, diarrhea, or constipation.
Furthermore, certain foods and high stress levels are two large factors that can worsen IBS, as discomfort often arises after eating or during periods of increased stress.
There are several types of IBS:
• IBS-C – This type of IBS is characterized by constipation. Those who are diagnosed with IBS-C often experience infrequent bowel movements as well as hard or lumpy stools.
• IBS-D – In contrast to IBS-C, IBS-D is marked by frequent diarrhea. Patients typically suffer from loose or watery stools and may experience an urgent need to have a bowel movement.
• IBS-M – Also known as mixed-type IBS, this condition is characterized by alternating episodes of constipation and diarrhea.
• IBS-U – This classification is used for cases that do not fit IBS-C, IBS-D, or IBS-M due to unpredictable or inconsistent symptoms.
In addition to these four main types, IBS can also be described as post-infectious in some cases. Post-infectious IBS occurs when chronic inflammation and symptoms begin after a bout of gastroenteritis. Your healthcare provider at the Primary Prevention Center will assess the nature of your symptoms and provide you with insight into the type of IBS you have and how to manage it successfully. For more information contact us or request an appointment online. We are located at 638 Newtown-Yardley Road Suite 2G Newtown, PA 18940. We serve patients from Newtown PA, Richboro PA, Newtown Grant PA, Churchville PA, Woodbourne PA, Yardley PA, Southampton PA, Langhorne PA, Bucks County PA, and surrounding areas.
Additional Services We Offer
▸ Dietary Consultation & Planning
▸ Exercise Education
▸ Cooking workshops
▸ IV Vitamin Therapy
▸ Yoga & Meditation
▸ Diabetes
▸ Hypertension
▸ Insomnia
▸ Autoimmune Disease
▸ Meal planning