If you suffer with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and you’re either at university now or heading there in the future, then you might find this article helpful. According to the NHS, IBS is a common condition affecting the digestive system. Symptoms range from severe stomach cramps, bloating, diarrhoea, constipation and dizziness depending on how badly you suffer.
It can be really draining and difficult to live with. So, it’s no surprise that, when you move away from home, you start to worry about the risk of an IBS attack. Here are a few tips to cope with IBS at university.
1. Prepare
The first tip is to be prepared. Stock up on paracetamol and ibuprofen. Make sure you have a hot water bottle or an ice pack in the freezer. Yep, that’s right, an ice pack – did you know that ice therapy often helps IBS more than heat therapy? Give it a go! You can find an ice pack on Amazon. Pack everything you need. Comfy clothes, peppermint tea and everything in-between. You’ll find it easier moving away from home if you’re just as prepared at university as you would’ve been in the comfort of your own home.
2. Meditate
If you’re not into meditating, then don’t doubt it before you try it! Meditating can relax the body instantly and one of the biggest triggers for IBS symptoms is anxiety and stress. Try doing some yoga and meditation for just ten minutes every other day. Or maybe you could join the university yoga society? Try something new! This is also great for relieving that pre-exam stress and anxiety. Try downloading the App DownDog or watching Yoga with Adrienne on YouTube!
See also: The Best Yoga Poses To De-Stress
3. Don’t be embarrassed
You’ll be surprised how many people suffer with IBS. In fact,1 in 20 people in the UK suffer with IBS according to GutsUK Charity. That is 3.2 million people! Openly discuss your IBS and you’ll probably find that atleast someone in your halls will be suffering it too. If you don’t fancy going out because you’re in too much discomfort then your pain is a valid reason not to go. However…
4. Try not to miss out
Coping with IBS is not easy. You have to mentally convince yourself you’re not in pain in order to socialise and it’s a really hard thing to do. So if you don’t fancy going out and putting on a brave face, don’t. But try not to let your IBS get the better of you. You deserve to go and have fun so try and push yourself out of your comfort zone sometimes and enjoy it!
5. Think ahead
Lastly, and probably the best tip of all, think ahead. So you want to go to that social on Wednesday, but you can feel an IBS attack coming. Think ahead. Try and avoid triggering foods 24 hours before you’re due to go out. This does not mean cutting out food, but instead eating foods that you know your body comfortably digests. For instance, if pasta is a trigger, why not try rice? And to be even more prepared sit with an ice pack on your stomach while getting ready to ease the bloating. This will also help to relieve any pain and discomfort caused by your IBS. Sip a peppermint tea while doing your hair and you’ll be good to go!
It’s no secret that IBS is a hard and often debilitating illness to live with but don’t let it stop you from having fun at university! Work around it, prepare for the worst and think ahead. You’ve got this!
Read next: Why Is The Sound Of Rain Calming To Us?