Twenty-five year old Doireann Wylde from Ennis in Co. Clare was diagnosed with IBS at the age of 17 and suffered chronic back pain in my early twenties which escalated from three car accidents. Over the last two and a half years, the up and coming vlogger transformed her quality of life through diet, exercise and mindset!
She is not a doctor, nutritionist or personal trainer, but she has been there, done that and bought the t-shirt- facing a constant battle with eating, food, health and living, here, she shares her insights and tips….
Irritable Bowl Syndrome (IBS) is a chronic condition that affects the large intestine. It can cause abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, constipation, flatulence and general discomfort. It is more common in women than men but can affect anyone at any age. However, it can be maintained through monitoring stress levels, diet and exercise.
Here are some tips that worked for Doireann to begin managing your IBS…
Doconsult your GP if you suspect you may have IBS.
Dovisit a health food shop and speak to them.
Some of the best advice I have received has been in my local health food shop.
Do keep a food diary
Log everything from the time you eat to what you eat, including that spoon of sugar in your tea, EVERYTHING!
Dotake up some form of exercise, something you’ll enjoy.
Exercising regularly helps relieve stress and aids digestion.
Doget to know your body
Your findings from your food diary will begin to show triggers and it’s vitally important to be aware of those foods and the effects they have on your body.
Dodrink LOADS of water!
Water naturally detoxifies the body, aids digestion, boosts metabolism, helps you to think and sleep better, gives you clear skin and healthy hair, amongst other benefits.
Doget a minimum of 7 hours of quality sleep every night.
It’s during that time your body repairs itself, your muscles relax and tension leaves your body thus aiding digestion. Sleep is vitally important for your wellbeing.
Don’t cut out entire food groups.
Eliminating entire food groups will alienate your body from certain foods and when reintroduced initially, they’ll have a negative effect as your body struggles to process them.
Don’t worry!
This is easier said than done, but stress is a major factor in your digestive and overall health.
Don’t listen to what everyone tells you
IBS affects everyone differently; no two people have the same triggers, so get to know your own body.
Don’t rush into a new lifestyle (unless you’re the extremely determined and focused type!).
Reforming your eating habits and lifestyle is not something that can be done overnight so it is important to introduce changes gradually and consistently until you reach a happy balanced sustainable life.
Don’tgo on any fad juice or tea detox diets
Drinking liquids will have you on the toilet a lot more! It will take down some bloating but it’s only a quick fix. Your body needs solids for fibre and nutrients in order to promote healthy digestion and reintroducing solids after a “detox” will see your body storing the food, gaining more weight and slowing down your metabolism and digestive system.
Don’toverdo the raw fruit and veg.
Fruit is very good for us but it is also high in natural sugars and too much sugar will lead to weight gain, poor digestion and bad gut function. Similarly, raw veg has lots of benefits but it can be more difficult to digest than cooked vegetables. A quick steam will bring out the nutrients in most vegetables and make them easier to digest.
Don’t be afraid to order off the menu when eating out.
Eateries are becoming more aware of food intolerances and they are usually very happy to cater to your dietary needs, within reason.
Always consult with your GP before taking medication or altering your lifestyle and dietary habits.
