Are you worried that you might be suffering from Irritable Bowel Syndrome? The UK National Institute of Clinical Excellence advises GP’s to check for IBS if any of the following ‘ABC’ symptoms below have been experienced for six months or more:

A – Abdominal pain, cramps or spasms

B – Bloating

C – Changes in bowel movement ie diarrhoea, constipation or both

If this sounds like you then it’s advisable to see your GP as soon as possible so that they can give you a firm diagnosis.

Other symptoms include excess wind, a ‘full bowel’ feeling even after emptying, nausea, tiredness and muscle, joint or back pain.

While the IBS symptoms are no doubt unpleasant and inconvenient, if you are a sufferer then you’re not alone. IBS affects between 10 and 20 per cent of the population, with women between the ages of 20 and 40 being the most likely to suffer.

While there is unfortunately no cure for IBS, once you have your diagnosis you can then take steps to manage your illness. The good news is that there are many simple steps that can lead to freedom from the binds of these unpleasant symptoms, including:

Relaxation

Taking time out to relax each day will help to break the stress cycle that can aggravate IBS. Whether you choose gentle exercise, warm baths, massage or another method, be sure to prioritise ‘you time’ in order to remain relaxed and as stress free as possible.

Keeping a Food Diary

A food diary can be a useful tool as it will allow you to identify ‘trigger foods’ that aggravate your IBS.

Peppermint Oil Capsules

Peppermint oil has been proven to reduce the symptoms of IBS, and Colpermin IBS Relief capsules harness the power of this natural elixir to bring you all the benefits in a convenient capsule form.

Don’t worry if your symptoms match those of IBS. With careful management it’s possible to live with IBS, stress and symptom free.

More support and advice can be found on in the Life in Rhythm campaign by Imodium.