February 10, 2020

Irritable Bowel Syndrome: 7 Trigger-busters

Expert tips for managing your IBS

Relaxing so her IBS does not present

If you have frequent abdominal pain, bloating, cramping diarrhea and/or constipation, you could worry that you have inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) — such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease — or even cancer. However, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) can cause these symptoms too.

Advertisement

Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy

IBS usually strikes people under age 45 and affects twice as many women as men. Doctors diagnose IBS when three or more bouts of unexplained abdominal discomfort/pain occur for three months in a row.

If you’re diagnosed with IBS, there is an upside. IBS does cause a change in bowel habits, but it doesn’t damage the digestive tract as IBD does.

“While the symptoms can be significant, it’s reassuring to know that irritable bowel syndrome is not life-threatening,” says gastroenterologist Brian Kirsh, MD.

What makes IBS worse?

IBS is worsened by stress, anxiety and depression ― and by individual triggers. “It’s difficult to isolate triggers, particularly in your diet,” says Dr. Kirsh. “One day, you can eat a particular food, like salad, and feel fine. Yet on the next day, it seems to trigger an attack.”

Advertisement

While not always predictable, that’s not to say you can’t take steps to help minimize how much your IBS affects your day-to-day life. Here, Dr. Kirsh offers seven practical tips to offset common IBS triggers:

  1. Avoid caffeine. Pay attention to how you feel if you drink coffee, tea and soda. All of these can cause abdominal discomfort.
  2. Drink more water. Water is important whether you tend to have constipation or diarrhea and it helps if you increase your fiber intake.
  3. Eat more fiber. It’s important to eat fruits, vegetables, beans/peas and whole-grain breads and cereals. But be sure to add fiber gradually to minimize bloating!
  4. Limit dairy intake. Experiment with cutting back on dairy to see if you have lactose intolerance (a condition that makes dairy products hard to digest). If you cut out dairy for good, make sure you get your calcium from fortified dairy alternatives, like almond, soy or coconut milk.
  5. Reduce your stress levels. Do what you can to relax, whether taking time for a hot bath, taking short rests during the day or adopting relaxation practices, such as meditation or yoga.
  6. Exercise regularly. Exercise helps you relieve both physical and mental stress.
  7. Stop smoking. In some people, smoking makes IBS symptoms worse.

When to see a GI specialist for IBS

Make any diet and lifestyle changes gradually to give your body a chance to adapt, Dr. Kirsh says. Your primary care doctor can suggest changes in diet and lifestyle to help you manage mild IBS. A visit with a registered dietitian may also be worthwhile.

If your IBS symptoms persist, it’s best to see a gastroenterologist. These specialists can prescribe medications to normalize bowel function and rule out other conditions.

Advertisement

“There are many treatment strategies to make IBS manageable,” says Dr. Kirsh.

Be sure to consult a gastroenterologist if bleeding or weight loss occurs, or if you have a family history of digestive disorders.

Related Articles

female on couch clutching stomach area
January 30, 2024
How To Find Relief From Chronic Pelvic Pain

Endometriosis, pelvic floor dysfunction and bladder issues can all contribute, but relief is within reach

Illustration of the colon, large intesitine, small intestine and colon in the body with a pain icon above.
August 29, 2023
8 Signs That Irritable Bowel Syndrome’s Causing Your Digestive Troubles

Symptoms of IBS usually include abdominal pain, coupled with bloating and more

Patient with back pain walking into doctor's appointment while doctor holds door.
August 1, 2023
7 Causes of Chronic Pain

Arthritis, migraines and endometriosis are common causes of chronic pain

Person drinking Xiao Yao San tea and reading.
April 23, 2023
Benefits and Uses of Xiao Yao San

This traditional Chinese medicine formulation may help with stress, depression and more

Person at home curled up on couch with abdominal pain.
March 26, 2023
Understanding the Differences Between IBD and IBS

IBD is an inflammatory disorder, while IBS is a group of symptoms, but both need treatment

woman with soda burps
June 26, 2022
Why Do We Burp?

Burping is a normal bodily function

Graphic of woman sitting on a toilet while looking at her phone.
May 10, 2022
How Often and How Long Should It Take You to Poop?

Everyone poops, but here’s what may affect how often you visit the toilet

A bowl with noodles, cucumbers, leafy greens, tomatoes and chicken meatballs.
November 8, 2021
Should You Follow a Low-FODMAP Diet?

Find out which foods could be causing IBS symptoms

Trending Topics

White bowls full of pumpkin seeds, dark chocolate and various kinds of nuts
25 Magnesium-Rich Foods You Should Be Eating

A healthy diet can easily meet your body’s important demands for magnesium

Woman feeling for heart rate in neck on run outside, smartwatch and earbuds
Heart Rate Zones Explained

A super high heart rate means you’re burning more than fat

Spoonful of farro salad with tomato
What To Eat If You’ve Been Diagnosed With Prediabetes

Type 2 diabetes isn’t inevitable with these dietary changes

Ad