Ask the Experts- April 2018

Dear Red Hot Mamas,

I’ve just been diagnosed with IBS. I’ve heard there are certain triggers. Can you please explain to me what they are? I appreciate your help.

Thank you Red Hot Mamas

Sally

Dear Sally,

Thank you for the courage to writing us. Millions of people suffer from this condition (IBS) but many of them don’t talk to their doctors or family members about this problem. So let’s try to answer your question about the triggers. Here are some of the culprits:

Stress is a major trigger because many of us hold tension in our guts causing muscle cramping and can easily escalate into IBS

Spicy and fatty foods may irritate the gastrointestinal tract. Food and drinks with chocolate, coffee, alcohol and MSG may also trigger IBS attacks. Too much fiber from eating the skin of fruits and vegetables may cause an attack.

Antibiotics kill off good and bad bacteria and leaves room in your intestines for yeast to grow. This yeast can irritate the intestinal lining. Gas and bloating can result triggering an episode of IBS.

So remember what you eat and how you process stress is important in how you manage IBS symptoms. Medication certainly has a role in helping people get over the symptoms of IBS, but it isn’t effective in treating it entirely. Since each person experiences IBS differently and may have different symptoms associated with it. It’s important to educate yourself, understand the triggers and to discuss with your doctor an individualized treatment plan which may bring you much-needed relief.

Red Hot Mamas Experts