Many people are suffering from an irritable bowel in Jacksonville, or the entire country for that matter. According to an article published by Mayo Clinic, up to 20 percent of Americans are experiencing symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). IBS does not only cause discomfort, pain, and diarrhea; it can also have a significant impact on your weight. If you are trying to lose weight, having the condition can help or hinder your endeavor, depending on a number of factors.
How IBS Can Lead to Weight Loss
IBS has been known to reduce weight in some people. This is partly the result of diarrhea. When you are suffering from diarrhea, the food you consume will be transferred through your gut at an abnormally fast rate. Consequently, calorific macronutrients, vitamins, and minerals may be poorly absorbed, causing you to lose weight. Also, loss of appetite and nausea, which are common symptoms of IBS, can also contribute to weight loss because they may reduce your consumption of food.
How IBS Can Lead to Weight Gain
It is also not uncommon for people to gain weight as a result of IBS. In order to control the symptoms of IBS, some people change their diets to include more carbohydrate sources, such as potatoes and rice. The consumption of these calorie-dense foods can lead to weight gain. Additionally, constipation episodes can cause a temporary increase in weight, because the excess waste material and water in the colon can add weight to your body.
Losing Weight with IBS
Losing weight with an irritable bowel in Jacksonville can be a difficult task because of the widespread availability of tempting foods. However, managing your diet is the key to losing weight with IBS. Instead of consuming carbohydrate-rich foods, you can try incorporating oatmeal, beans, nuts, lentils, and apples into your diet. If you are experiencing constipation, you can ease the problem by drinking more water.
Irritable bowel syndrome affects different people differently. If you want to find a personalized solution for weight loss with IBS, you may want to consider seeking advice from a Jacksonville irritable bowel syndrome specialist.
