Managing Digestive Issues and IBS...

Hi loves!

I've been wanting to upload a blog post discussing this topic for a little while now. I've been making my very best effort this summer to observe and study how my body reacts to different types of foods, situations, and environments. In more general terms, I've been trying to figure out what triggers my IBS symptoms, makes my digestion function best, what affects it negatively, etc. With that being said I didn't want to put up a blog post too soon and share whats been working best for me before I actually had the chance to give things some time and monitor it for myself.

Disclaimer: I am not a doctor, nutritionist, dietician, or expert by any means. This is what has been working for me. I always recommend doing your own research before trying new things and discovering what works best for your body.

First and foremost, I have increased the amount of water I drink. I have been aiming for about a gallon to a gallon and a half everyday. Now this sounds like a ton and well it is. But, this has been the absolute greatest decision ever. Heres why:

• Decreased Bloating

• Regulated Digestion

• Regular Bowel Movements (If this is TMI for yah sorry, but all my people with IBS and digestion issues know how terrible this can be)

• More Energy

• Brighter Skin

Drinking more water can be a challenge at first but i'll let yah in on some tips and tricks that have really helped me.

1. Start slow: Don't force yourself to start drinking a ton of water right off. If you drink a glass a day now, aim for maybe two or three glasses instead and work your way up.

2. Fill a gallon jug everyday and refill your water bottle from that jug. I can never finish the gallon jug if I drink out of it but when I'm refilling my water bottle, I have no problem! This also helps me make sure I'm getting in the right amount of water rather than guesstimating at the end of the day.

3. Last tip I have for ya'll is to drink out of a water bottle with a straw. I'm sure you've heard this a million times and it's definitely a mental game but it works!! I don't even realize how much water I drink when I'm using my water bottle with the straw, it's crazy. I highly recommend doing this if you struggle!

Another thing that has been regulating my IBS and minimizing my digestive issues is reducing my stress level. My family, friends, doctors, etc. always used to tell me that stress will play a major role in triggering these issues and for a while I was like nah no way. But man oh man was I wrong!! Stress will take such a huge toll on your body. Stress was making my hormones whack, my digestion a mess, my IBS flare ups worse, and just creating an overall terrible mental and physical state for my body and myself. This summer I have really focused on not letting things get to me, avoiding situations that could cause unnecessary stress, staying busy, etc. As I have begun to incorporate this mindset and reduce the amount of stress I allow in my life I have noticed:

• My hormones seem to be much more regulated

• My IBS flare ups have been minimal

• I have become a happier & more optimistic person

• Less anxious

• My digestion seems to be increasingly better

• Less bloating (due to better digestion, less IBS flare ups, and the reduction of stress on my body)

If you're a stressed out person and you deal with IBS symptoms or digestive issues than I promise you reducing the amount of stress in your life will help tremendously. I am so happy I began to listen to those around me and take their advice because stress was a huge factor in heightening my symptoms and making me feel my worst. Even if you don't struggle with IBS or digestive issues, reducing the amount of stress in your life is something everyone should work towards because stress will wreak havoc on anyone's body.

Next, I have noticed that eating smaller meals multiple times throughout the day has helped me and my body immensely. I used to be the type of girl that ate three huge meals. Lemme tell you that was not good for my digestion or my IBS. I now eat around five-seven meals a day. I eat smaller portions, but still still eat well balanced meals (carbs, proteins, fats) so that I stay full but don't leave myself feeling completely weighed down, lethargic, bloated, and unable to digest food properly. When I was eating larger meals I felt that my food was not properly digesting and moving throughout my body the way it should. It felt like by the time I had digested my first meal and finally stopped feeling bloated and sluggish, it was time to eat my next meal and feel that way all over again. I have also been making it a priority to eat slower and with less distraction. This allows me to enjoy/savor my food more which is always a plus, duh! But, eating slower with minimized distractions has allowed me to focus on chewing my food more thoroughly and swallowing smaller amounts which has led to: improved digestion, less bloat, not feeling so full, weighed down, or drained of energy.

One last item that has been helping me manage my digestive issues and minimize my IBS symptoms is Daily Essential Enzymes. I have been using them for about seven or eight months now. I take one to two of these pills before meals depending on the amount of protein/fat/fiber/carbs I am consuming. Because of my IBS my body has a very tough time digesting high fiber foods and heavier foods like carbohydrates. Taking these essential enzymes allows my body to break down the nutrients in these foods and improve my ability to digest them. However, I do not always take them and use them only when I feel necessary so that my body does not become completely reliant on them.

You can buy these at just about any healthy living store, supplement shop/company, or online. I mainly buy mine at Vitamin Shoppe, Whole Foods, or online. I really love this brand of enzymes because the pills are Vegetarian and contain no gluten or dairy which fits my lifestyle perfectly. This particular brand has seemed to work the best for my body and needs, but that might not be the case for you. There are plenty of other great brands out there so do your research and find what works best for you and your body.

I hope some of this can help any of you that may be struggling. I still struggle. I have good days, bad days, and mediocre days. We all do. I am human. I am not perfect and I don't want you guys to think I have it all figured out. I am working hard to manage my digestive issues and IBS everyday. If you are lost or feel like you're never going to figure things out, you will. It takes time. It's a lot of trial and error. It's not easy. I don't want to tell you it is because I would be lying. But, it's possible. I am always here to talk, listen, and help in any way I can. Don't hesitate to reach out!

-Mik