LIFE CAN CHANGE WHEN YOU HAVE IBS-D

Not everyone may understand how challenging life can be when you are living with IBS-D. People with IBS or IBS-D cope with their disease in a variety of ways.

It takes guts to talk about IBS-D.

Hear about Laura’s experience with managing IBS-D.

 

People living with IBS-D may…

Living with IBS-D: Home/House icon

Stay home from work or school

Travelling with IBS-D: Airplane icon

Avoid long car rides, plane rides, or travel

Unpredictable bowel movements with IBS-D - people icon

Constantly worry about access to a bathroom

Living with IBS-D: Social Engagement icon

Limit or cancel social engagements

Food to Avoid with IBS-D - Pizza icon

Avoid favorite foods or have limited options when eating in restaurants

Take on IBS-D with these resources

It might feel like you’re alone dealing with your IBS-D – but there are millions of people just like you. Use these resources to learn more about IBS-D and how to manage your condition.

Take on IBS-D with these resources

It might feel like you’re alone dealing with your IBS-D – but there are millions of people just like you. Use these resources to learn more about IBS-D and how to manage your condition.

Tips for everyday life with IBS-D

Depending on what triggers your symptoms or what the underlying causes might be, there are some lifestyle changes that could help.

Try getting regular exercise or practicing meditation or other stress-reducing techniques

Join local or online support groups. There’s strength in numbers, after all

Keep a detailed journal of all of your symptoms

Stay educated about IBS-D and talk openly with your family, friends, and healthcare providers (HCP). It takes guts, but you can do it

What are the symptoms in your gut trying to tell you?

Food triggers and diet management for IBS-D

Food triggers and diet management for IBS-D

The impact food can have on IBS varies from person to person. For some, dietary factors may worsen symptoms. It can help to keep track of how you react to common trigger foods, like those listed below, so you can avoid them.

Foods that may trigger IBS-D symptoms include:
  • High fiber foods, especially insoluble fiber
  • Food and drinks containing chocolate, alcohol, caffeine, some types of sugar (fructose or sorbitol)
  • Carbonated drinks
  • Large meals
  • Foods high in fat such as fried food
  • Dairy products, especially for those who are lactose intolerant
  • Gassy foods such as beans, raisins, broccoli, onions, cabbage, wheat germ
  • Foods with wheat for people who are allergic to or have a bad reaction to gluten

Knowing which trigger foods to eliminate from your diet may help you better manage your IBS-D symptoms.

Talk with your HCP

Your relationship with your HCP can be an important part of living with IBS-D. There are many possible causes of IBS-D, and the symptoms you experience can be different from other people with IBS-D. Your symptoms may even change over time, so keep your HCP informed about everything you experience.

Don’t be afraid to talk about all of your symptoms, such as abdominal pain or diarrhea, when your symptoms started, their frequency and severity, anything that triggers them, and how they may have changed.

Be sure to talk about any lifestyle changes you have made and all of the treatments you have tried, even if you were not satisfied.

Discover a treatment option for adults with IBS-D.