“It’s All In Your Head” - IBS Awareness & What Worked For Me
“It’s all in your head”
This month is IBS awareness month so I want to share my story with the syndrome that shaped many years of my life and share some tips that really helped me. When I was 16 I experienced a change in my digestion. I felt a lot of shame and embarrassment during these pivotal teenage years, constantly bloated and with no idea of why or how to make it stop.
I had ALL the tests, and they repeatedly discovered nothing. I was prescribed gaviscon after ever meal, which really didn’t feel like a way to fix the main issue. Over the years from 16-20 my symptoms worsened and I couldn’t eat ANYTHING without a bad reaction. Eventually I was told “it’s all in your head” and prescribed anti depressants, which I absolutely didn’t need. Within 3 days of taking them, out of pure desperation, my lips turned blue and I was hearing screaming in my head. My Mum took my to A&E and the doctor, hugely concerned about why on earth I was given these, immediately took me off them.
I started doing my own analysis on when I was reacting the worst and had a feeling it was a food group that I was sensitive to. Then I begged my parents to take me to a nutritionist I found and discovered an intolerance to dairy and yeast…which I no longer seem to have as severely as I did back them.
At no point did any doctor ask me about my diet, menstrual cycle, sleep patterns, mental state, relationships or how I was eating. I know that this has changed now re doctors studying nutrition and understanding the gut-brain axis, but my experience hugely affected my self esteem. I cut out dairy, and over the years I’ve slowly reintroduced it. Now I can tolerate it in small doses and no longer experience the symptoms that once were a daily occurrence. I know that a vast number of lifestyle changes that I’ve committed to has helped support better gut health, immunity and digestion. Here’s what has worked and why:
1. Regular movement 🏃🏽♀️
When my IBS was at its worse, my fitness levels were very low. Exercise is amazing for improving immunity, releasing endorphins and getting digestion going.
2. Yoga, breath & meditation
You lot know I’m a big fan 🤣 these practices radically changed my life. IBS symptoms are more severe in those with higher anxiety and stress. A study showed that those who practiced yoga experienced a reduction in pain, less bloating, and fewer flare-ups than those who didn’t do yoga. And meditators with IBS reported reduced abdominal pain and less psychological distress compared to people who didn’t meditate.
3. Portion sizes 🍽
Studies show that we eat more at a buffet vs when we are given a plate of food. I often overate, so adjusting this has made a big difference to my digestion.
4. Satisfaction 💛
I cut out every major food group at some point of time. Limitations led to cravings and binges. I’ve learnt to enjoy the piece of cake. Feeling satisfied and eating intuitively has been genuinely life changing.
5. Ayurveda 🍃
Upping spices especially when off balance has hugely helped. Cumin, coriander seeds and fennel are amazing for gut health issues from bloating to wind. Link in bio if you want a private consultation with me.
One of the reasons why I love Ayurveda is because it looks at the individual holistically, seeking to understand the root cause of the imbalance. Prevention and cure rather than putting a plaster on symptoms. My clients say they feel properly listened to in a consultation because we identify triggers and understand where inflammation lies. Once we know this we can work to reset and gain balance for long term optimal health.
I hope this helps you feel less alone and on the path to a healthier, happier you.
Love,
Angie