Breaking the IBS poo taboo

We’re willing to bet that most of you will have dealt with a runny tummy or bout of constipation at some point during your lives. So, why is it that any talk of bowel movements or bodily fluids is still considered a bit, well… T.M.I? For those suffering with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), these societal standards can lead to feelings of embarrassment, shame and even reluctance to seek medical support. This is why, at Savers, we’re doing our bit to help break the ‘poo taboo’ and spread awareness of this (very common, might we add) condition. In this article, we’re sharing everything from the symptoms to expect with IBS, tips for managing this condition, as well as some products at Savers that may help you feel some relief.  

First things first, what is IBS?

According to the NHS, irritable bowel syndrome is a common condition that affects the digestive system. It can cause a range of uncomfortable symptoms such as: 

• Stomach cramps 
• Stomach bloating 
• Diarrhoea 
• Constipation 

IBS sufferers may also experience: 

• Increased wind 
• Passing mucus from your bottom 
• Lack of energy 
• Problems peeing 
• Backache 
• Nausea and dizziness 

The severity of the symptoms will range from person to person, but usually, symptoms will follow a cycle of flaring up and then clearing up, with some flare-ups lasting for days, weeks or months at a time. 

If these symptoms are seeming all too familiar, your first port of call will be to book an appointment with your GP. During your appointment, you will discuss your symptoms and how they affect your daily life. Usually, doctors can make a diagnosis based on an analysis of your symptoms, however, they may also run extra tests (usually blood and stool) to rule out any other conditions. 

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Who does IBS affect?

Anyone can suffer from IBS, regardless of age or sex. According to BUPA ‘Between one and two in 10 people in the UK are thought to have IBS. You can develop it at any age, but it’s common for symptoms to start between the age of 20 and 30’. 

What causes IBS?

Despite being a common long-term condition, the cause remains unknown. However, the NHS state that IBS could be linked to factors like: stress, family history of IBS, oversensitive nerves in your gut, and food passing through your gut too quickly. 

How to treat IBS

Currently, there is no cure for IBS (as stated by the NHS) which can be extremely demoralising if you have been diagnosed. However, your doctor or GP will advise you of certain dietary/lifestyle changes and medicines that could help you control and improve your symptoms. 

Buscopan IBS Relief 40s

£10.49

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Here are some of the common recommendations for managing and treating IBS: 

• Eating three balanced meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) at the same time every day 
• Keeping a food diary to identify any dietary triggers and individually cutting these foods out (e.g., reducing fibre as this can sometimes help with diarrhoea)  
• Avoid skipping meals 
• Reducing alcohol and caffeine intake 
• Identifying stressors in your life and trying to reduce these (if possible) 
• Staying hydrated by drinking at least 8 cups of fluid per day (ideally water!) 
• There are medicines available to help manage symptoms of IBS including Buscopan or Colpermin. Speak to your Pharmacist about the most appropriate options for you. 

Remember, there is no ‘one size fits all’ approach to treating IBS, meaning that everyone with IBS will react differently to each recommendation. If dietary changes and pharmaceutical medicines are not helping your IBS, make sure to check back in with your doctor for a follow-up! 

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