It’s 2023, and you’ve decided that this is the year you’ll put your gut health first! 

Congratulations on making that first step of no longer wanting to put up with your IBS anymore. For too long, your gut health has ruled your life and finally you are taking control back and doing something about it! Just in case you needed any more reasoning as to why this is the best decision you’ll ever make,  we’ve put together a list of 5 things you will gain by managing your IBS this year.

1. A social life

It’s amazing how much we (I say “we”, as I have been soo guilty of locking myself away from social events due to gut issues) miss out on in life, because of either being stuck on a toilet or too scared to eat out in case something goes wrong… BUT! it doesn’t have to be this way. In managing your IBS you will have the tools and knowledge to tackle any social situation with confidence and calmness, improving your connection with loved ones and enabling you to live your life how you want to live it.

 

2. A better relationship with food

What’s the first thing that crosses your mind when a friend asks you out to dinner? Is it the delicious food that you’ll be eating and the great company you’ll have, or is it the fear and anxiety of what food will be available and how incredibly sore and bloated it will make you feel? If it’s the later, then we need to change this! Many people with gut health issues, also tend to label foods as “bad” (hello gluten!). This only builds up fear and anxiety related to certain foods, taking up precious brain space and worsening your IBS symptoms. Imagine going to dinner, knowing and understanding your worst trigger foods so you can enjoy your meal, knowing it isn’t going to cause harm. Sounds pretty good right?! It is amazing how much brain space you free up by improving your relationship with food! 

 

3. More energy

I am sure you’ve experienced IBS related fatigue and brain fog. Well that’s because IBS doesn’t only affect the gut, it affects your entire body, and it’s exhausting to say the least. Not to mention, some of us end up eating less food through the day to control our gut issues which is the perfect recipe for fatigue. One thing I couldn’t believe when I finally started managing my IBS was how much extra energy I had during the day. I would finish the day with energy in the tank, rather than curled up like a potato on the couch. I had brain space to think about the things that really mattered in life; I felt ‘lighter’ and had energy to go about my day; I could exercise and move my body pain free; I slept better at night and woke up feeling refreshed… the list could go on!!

 

4. More time in the day

This might seem like a bit of a far fetched one, but when your gut health isn’t great, you spend a ridiculous amount of time on the loo! I remember this always added stress and extra pressure to my day too. Having to rush to the toilet in between meetings and always on the look out for toilet stops when travelling. Think about the time you’ll gain knowing you only have to go once or twice, rather than rushing to the toilet six times a day with urgency. 

 

5. Improved mental health

The gut-brain connection plays a huge role in IBS. I know for myself, when my gut is playing up, I’m more anxious, irritable and unhappy. Ever heard of the fight and flight response? When we are stressed, we have less saliva production, less prostaglandins protecting our stomach from stomach acid, digestion slows down, we have less blood flow to our gut, our stomach and oesophagus can spasm and prolonged stress can even alter our microbiome! All of these things impair our digestion and increase IBS symptoms such as bloating, gut pain and altered bowel motions. It’s also a bit of a case of the chicken and the egg… which came first, the stress causing my IBS or my IBS causing the stress?

On the other hand, when I’m managing my IBS and actively keeping up with self care, stress management and eating well, I have so much more mental clarity. I have improved sleep, I’m happier, have managed anxiety aaaand I’m a much nicer person to be around! 

 

If these reasons aren’t enough, then I don’t know what is! So, what are you waiting for?

Gain back your social life, a better relationship with food, energy, more time in the day and improved mental health today. If you want to manage your IBS but don’t know where to start, then we recommend checking out our online IBS course today! 

Our IBS course was designed by experienced Dietitians and gut health specialists, along side a guest Psychologist, so you are in expert hands. We’ve developed this course for people like yourself, to make IBS support and low FODMAP education more accessible and easy to follow.

If you would like to know more about this – click here! 

Published: 28th January 2023

Author: Kelsey Paterson  Monash FODMAP trained Dietitian