Living with IBS-D | IBS-D Takes Guts

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.

People living with IBS-D may…

Limit or cancel social engagements

Stay home from work or school

Avoid long car rides, plane rides, or going on vacation

Avoid favorite foods or have limited options when eating in restaurants

Constantly worry about access to a bathroom

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.

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

TAKE THE QUIZ

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

Keep a detailed journal of all of your symptoms

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

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

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 healthcare provider

Your healthcare provider 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 healthcare provider 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.

Not an actual doctor.

Choosing a treatment option

If lifestyle changes or medication haven’t helped, ask your healthcare provider what else you could try. There are different types of prescription treatments for IBS-D, so if you’re not satisfied with one, be sure to ask about trying something else.