Top 5 Tips for Living with IBS 2024

Roughly one in five people in the UK suffer from some form of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). Two thirds of IBS sufferers are women, and while there is no specific cause for IBS, most experts believe that it is linked to digestive problems, having a sensitive gut and your diet. April is IBS Month, so we've created this guide to raise awareness on How to Live with IBS.

One in five people in the UK suffer with some form of IBS

Here at Health and Care we've created this list of tips for tackling Irritable Bowel Syndrome. From exercising to TENS therapy, we take you through a number of different ways to beat the pain and make your life more comfortable.

What Is IBS?

Experts don't point to one direct cause for IBS, however they generally say that the main causes are linked to digestive problems, a sensitive guy and a bad diet. If you think that you suffer from IBS you aren't alone, as up to one in five of us have the condition. Common symptoms include:

• Stomach pains
• Cramping
• Diarrhoea
• Constipation
• Bloating
• Excessive wind

Continue reading to find some of our top tips for dealing with IBS.

1. TENS Therapy

One sure fire way to prevent the symptoms of IBS is to use a TENS Machine. TENS Therapy is known to accelerate colonic transit, and has a therapeutic effect on functional constipation. By relaxing your muscles, you can prevent the muscle spasms that cause bowel pain.

TPN 200 Plus Dual Channel TENS Machine

The TPN 200 Plus Dual Channel TENS Machine is a dual channel TENS Machine which can be used on your stomach to stimulate muscles and reduce pain. It is known to provide pain relief to a wide range of health conditions.

We We Love It:

• Can be used to stimulate bowel movement through muscle stimulation
• Supplied with four leads and four electrodes for ease of use
• Non invasive use blocks pain signals to your brain
• Includes a number of different settings and modes for catered use

2. Use a Ring Cushion

If you suffer from IBS, then you'll know how uncomfortable going to the toilet can be. This pain can continue afterwards, which is why using a ring cushion can be perfect for post-toilet use. Ring cushions are designed to reduce the pressure felt when you sit down, meaning that no pressure is targeted into one position on your body.

Harley Designed Memory Foam Ring Cushion

Our most popular ring cushion is the Harley Designer Memory Foam Ring Cushion, which is designed using memory foam that moulds to the body when you sit down. It can provide comfort for long periods, and can tackle the pain associated with IBS, and from other problems such as haemorrhoids and piles.

Why We Love It:

• Memory foam is highly comfortable to use while sat down
• Can relieve pain after using the toilet
• Ensures that pressure isn't felt in just one place
• Can also be used to treat piles and haemorrhoids

3. Exercise

Regular moderate intensity forms of exercise can help to reduce the symptoms associated with IBS. This can include extremely simple breathing exercises, yoga, walking and swimming. If you want to exercise without pain, a good pair of insoles can reduce fatigue across your body.

Sorbothane Shock Stopper Double Strike Insoles

Some of our most popular insoles for light exercise are the Sorbothane Shock Stopper Double Strike Insoles, which use a sock absorbing compound in the heel and forefront for reducing discomfort. They are designed to disperse shock sideways, ensuring no area of your foot receives full impact from the ground.

Why We Love It:

• Disperses the pressure evenly across your feet
• Designed to shield the heel the heel and forefoot from shock
• Built in arch support reduces arch pain during use
• Antibacterial for keeping the feet fresh and cool

4. Use Ostomy Underwear If You've Had a Colostomy

In rare cases, IBS can lead to a colostomy, which can help to reduce the symptoms if they become too severe. In this case, you can use ostomy underwear which is designed to provide maximum comfort while keeping your ostomy pouch away from your skin.

CUI Men's Fitted Trunks Ostomy Underwear or the CUI Ladies' Full Briefs Ostomy Underwear

The CUI Men's Fitted Trunks Ostomy Underwear and the CUI Ladies' Full Briefs Ostomy Underwear each include an internal scoop pocket to keep the ostomy pouch away from the skin. They are high waisted to prevent discomfort during use, while a choice of left, right or both ostomy pouch caters for all users.

Why We Love Them:

• Includes an ostomy pouch either on the left, the right or on both sides
• Designed to encourage comfort while using an ostomy bag
• High waisted design provides a strong level of comfort
• Will minimise the heat felt from the ostomy bags

5. Use a Heat Pad

A final option is to provide soothing heat to the effected area. By holding a heat pad to your lower stomach or guy, you can relieve the impact of not just IBS, but menstrual pain, stomach pain and indigestion too. 

Sissel Cherry Red Microwave Heat Pad

One of our most popular heat pads is the Sissel Cherry Red Microwave Heat Pad, which is specifically designed to soothe aches and pains. It is full of gentle cheery stones that provide a massage to the area where you hold the cushion. Simply place the pad in the microwave, and hold to your gut once warm.

Why We Love It:

• Ideal for relieving the pain associated with IBS
• Place in the microwave for safe warming
• Filled with cherry stones for providing gentle massage
• Dry design is safer than water-based hot water bottles

Tackle IBS Symptoms Today

You can tackle symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome today by using some cost-effective products that can relieve pain and make your life easier. To view more products that might help you with IBS, take a look at our Comfort and Relief, Care and Daily Living categories.

Did you find these tips helpful? Please don't hesitate to let us know in the comments, or find us on Facebook and Twitter.

Tags: Comfort, General Health, Learn About Conditions, Top 5 Guides