Accessing Health Care

Have you ever been on a tennis court? Now assume the surface of a tennis court is the small intestines where food is absorbed. Just like a tennis court has a protective layer that prevents unwanted elements from entering the delicate inner layers, your intestines have a one-cell protective case. If the lining breaks, your intestines will be exposed to bacteria and other forms of microbes, and that is what often leads to irritable bowel syndrome. The condition causes a lot of discomfort in most people and requires a doctor's intervention. This article highlights steps you can take to increase the chances of successful IBS treatment.

Repopulate Digestive System with "Good" Bacteria

In cases of irritable bowel syndrome, the bacteria in your gut are usually not well proportioned. Notably, the amount of pathogenic bacteria surpasses that of healthy gut bacteria. Since pathogenic bacteria target the small intestines, the condition leads to an overgrowth of bowel bacterial. The only way to correct IBS is by repopulating your gut with healthy bacteria. Treatment entails taking probiotic-containing products, and an excellent source is natural unsweetened yogurt. Depending on your source, probiotics can have up to 450 billion healthy microbes, which are enough to repopulate your gut with "good" bacteria.

Eat More Fibre

People whose diets are low in fibre are more prone to IBS mainly because dietary fibre increases the levels of gut bacteria. If you eat less fibre, harmful bacteria ferment the food in your stomach, thereby leading to constipation and bloating. By introducing enough fibre in your diet, your intestinal system will absorb fluids effectively, thus eliminating the growth of harmful bacteria. However, you should know that fibre is a mixed bag for patients with IBS. The reason is that high dietary fibre enhances cramping and gas production in some people. In such cases, doctors recommend fibre supplements being taken for several weeks before shifting to dietary fibre.

Practice Caution with OTC Medication

Self-diagnosis is the last thing you should do if you suspect IBS because over-the-counter choices might improve or worsen your situation. However, if there is a particular medication you use for IBS, then there is no problem with OTC prescription. Most importantly, it would help if you practised caution with OTC drugs because the mode of administration varies and affects the effectiveness of treatment. For example, some medicines should strictly be taken a few minutes before eating. Therefore, consult a physician before using OTC medication for your IBS.  

For more information about IBS treatment, contact a clinic like Diagnostic Endoscopy Centre.