The fact that inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is incurable leave many depressed when they or a loved one is diagnosed with it. If you’re going through the same situation, don’t lose heart. IBD may be incurable, but it can be significantly managed with lifestyle changes.
Lifestyle Modifications to Control IBD
Following are the major lifestyle changes you need to make to reduce symptoms and bring your inflammatory bowel disease under control:
1.Identify and Avoid Trigger Foods
Although there is no hard scientific evidence that diet can contribute to IBD, all healthcare experts agree that certain foods can aggravate the symptoms and trigger flare-ups. They may be different for every person, so it’s important to keep a track of what you eat to identify the foods that trigger and/or worsen the symptoms in your case.
Having said that, the following foods are known as common triggers of inflammatory bowel disease, so make sure to be extra careful with these:
Dairy
High-fiber foods, particularly raw fibrous fruits and vegetables
Foods high in fat
Spicy and sugary foods
Processed foods
Alcoholic and caffeinated beverages
Some people also experience flare-ups with wheat and gluten.
Identify your food triggers and then talk to your doctor to find their suitable alternatives.
2.Get Active
Staying physically active can be challenging with IBD because the condition can cause fatigue and, if you’re not taking care of nutrient intake can also cause anemia. Exercising can become all the more challenging when you’re experiencing a flare-up. However, research has shown that physical activity can help reduce the symptoms, especially in those with Crohn’s disease.
One research study published in the peer-reviewed journal – Inflammatory Bowel Disease – found that staying physically active during remission can help people with IBD can help reduce the risk of future flare-ups. The research findings aren’t conclusive, yet. But, healthcare experts agree that moderate amount of physical activity can help those with IBD because exercise is known to help reduce inflammation in the body and strengthen immunity. Physical activity can help regulate bowel function.
3.Keep That Stress Away
This is probably the hardest thing to do when you’re living with an incurable disease. But, many researches and healthcare experts believe that there is a connection between IBD and stress. It’s a debated issue in the IBD community, but there is evidence supporting these claims. Many IBD patients have also reported that stress trigger flare-ups and worsen their symptoms.
Stress is long known to have negative effects on the digestive system. It can slow down the digestion process, affect nutrient absorption, and weaken the intestinal barrier that prevents bacteria from entering into the body. This, in turn, can lead to indigestion, constipation or diarrhea, bloating, and pain.
These negative effects of stress on your digestive system can be worse when you’re already suffering from IBD.
Therefore, it’s essential that you take active measures to manage your stress. Incorporate stress-busting activities into your daily routine. Meditate, paint, read, cook, do relaxation exercise, or gardening. Anything that makes you feel relaxed will help with your disease.
The Final Word
Living with IBD can be difficult, but it’s possible to lead a normal, healthy life with treatment and certain lifestyle changes. Talk to your doctor to know if you need any medications and make these lifestyle changes to bring your disease under control and reduce (if not prevent) flare-ups.
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