April is Irritable Bowel Syndrome Awareness Month

• What is Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)?

IBS is a common condition that affects the digestive system. It causes symptoms such as stomach cramps, bloating, diarrhea, and constipation. These tend to come and go over time and can last for days, weeks, or months at a time.

• Who is mostly affected by IBS?

People of all ages have IBS, from young children to the elderly

• What can be done to prevent it?

There is no one diet or medication that works for everyone with IBS. However, there are a few things that could help the patients:

1. cooking homemade meals with fresh ingredients
2. keeping a journal of the foods consumed and any following symptoms you get
3. exercising regularly

It is recommended that patients avoid the following:

1. Putting off or skipping meals
2. Eating too fast
3. Eating a lot of fatty, spicy, or processed foods
4. Eating more than 3 servings of fresh fruit a day
5. Drinking more than three cups of tea or coffee a day
6. Drink a lot of alcohol or fizzy drinks