IBS Tiredness Cures

IBS, or irritable bowel syndrome, affects the large intestine, causing symptoms of gas and abdominal discomfort. Being in pain and uncomfortable can sap your energy level, and you don't feel like getting up from the couch.
With a combination of medical treatment and changes in your your lifestyle habits, you can be on your way back to your vibrant, energetic self.

Causes

• We don't know exactly what causes IBS, but eating certain foods such as chocolate, and some fruits and vegetables, can intensify symptoms.
  Avoid carbonated beverages as they cause gas, and make you feel bloated.
  If you're experiencing a high level of stress in your life, IBS symptoms will be worse.
  Hormonal balance may play a role in IBS, since women are twice as likely to have the disease.

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Risk Factors

• You have an increased chance of developing IBS if you:
  Are under age 35
  Are female
  Have parents, brothers, or sisters with IBS

Diagnosis

• Your physician will start the diagnostic process by taking a medical history, and performing a complete physical examination. To meet the criteria for a diagnosis of IBS, you should have experienced the following symptoms for a 12-week period:

  • More frequent bowel movements or a change in the consistency of your stool. For example, your stool may be hard one day, and runny the next.

  • Mucus coating the stool

  • Bloated feeling or swollen abdomen

Treatment

• Your doctor will prescribe medication according to your symptoms, and suggest lifestyle changes such as stricter attention to diet, and measures to control stress.

Managing Fatigue

• .Eat a healthy diet with lean protein, and aim for five servings a day of fruit and vegetables. A healthy body has more energy to perform job requirements and to participate in your favorite activities.
  Adequate fluid intake helps avoid dehydration, which leaves you feeling drained and tired.
  According to the Institute of Medicine, men should drink 13 cups of liquid on a daily basis, while women should aim for 9 cups.

  Some people may sleep better if they have a hot drink before retiring for the night, such as milk or an herbal tea without caffeine.
  Others may have their sleep disturbed by having to urinate, so having a hot drink before bedtime would not be the best sleep-inducing aid for them.
  Try increasing your level of activity during the last hour that you're awake, and go to bed later than usual, so you don't wake up during the night.
  Constipation can sap your energy. Including fruits and vegetables in your diet can make bowel movements more regular and relieve painful cramps that may keep you awake. Avoid gas producing vegetables such as cabbage, broccoli, and onions. Review all your medications with your doctor, to see if any of your medications could be the cause of your constipation. If necessary, she will also prescribe prescription medication to treat your constipation, or recommend that you take fiber supplements.

Depression

• When you're suffering from constipation, cramps and lack of sleep, it's not hard to believe that you're depressed and tired.

  Seek advice from your doctor, who can prescribe prescription anti-depressants, or give you a referral for counseling sessions. She may recommend a sleeping aid as well.

Exercise

• When you're uncomfortable and in pain, an exercise program is usually not a priority, but even light exercise can make you feel more energetic.

  Start gradually by walking the dog around the block, or having a family member or friend walk with you. Go a little further each day, and watch your energy level increase.

  Get involved in activities you enjoy, such as bowling or golfing. You'll not only tire yourself out so that you sleep better, but if you do things with a friend, you may have so much fun, you'll forget all about feeling tired.