Irritable Bowel Syndrome is something that I have personally struggled with over the past couple of years. It is commonly known as a syndrome that causes bloating, stomach pain, constipation, or diarrhoea. The primary triggers for Irritable Bowel Syndrome are stress or lifestyle. That was exactly it for me.
My struggle with IBS began in the year 2020
My struggle with IBS began in the year 2020—the year when many people discovered many underlying health issues or personal struggles.
Like many others, the era of COVID was a wake-up call for me. That is when I noticed that my digestive system was not okay. COVID and the stress that came with it triggered my Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). I felt bloated, had abdominal pain, and many trips to the bathroom after eating or drinking almost anything.
When did I finally decide to look for help?
After about a year and a half of struggling with this silently, I decided to check if something serious was happening in my body. After an endoscopy, colonoscopy, a couple of other tests, misdiagnoses, and medication, I was diagnosed with Irritable Bowel Syndrome. And suddenly, everything made sense!
“The gut-brain connection is real; my doctor reminded me of that and instructed me to reduce my stress levels and follow a few lifestyle changes.”
After many attempts at “lifestyle changes,” I discovered the three changes that helped me and things that I still follow two years after my diagnosis.
- Exercising three times a week: Committing to exercising three times a week has done wonders for me. Although this is something you may hear often, remember that there is a reason you hear it often. Exercise reduces Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) flares significantly.
- Eating at specific times and having a strict diet: Although this is quite difficult to stick to and can cause frustrations at times, I have found that eating at the same time every day and sticking to a particular diet significantly helped my symptoms and reduced my flare-ups.
Now, this would mean restricting yourself from eating whatever and whenever you want, but trust me when I tell you that it is entirely worth being able to live your life with less abdominal pain and discomfort. And more importantly, NO medication!
- Yansoon or Anise tea: This is what I like to call my “magic tea.”
Yansoon or Anise seeds have transformed my life! It helps with digestion; prevents stomach ulcers. I recommend having it after each meal if you’re having a flare-up or once a day for maintenance. I like to have it after dinner time. Just ensure you have access to a bathroom; its primary purpose is to help your body digest food.
Sharing my journey for dealing with Irritable Bowel Syndrome should have given you the strength to realise that you are not alone. Taking steps to improve your health is crucial. Hope exists for a brighter future.
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