You may think that irritable bowel syndrome, better known as IBS, cannot be prevented. IBS can be caused in part by genetics, but it can also be caused by an unhealthy lifestyle, and new research suggests ways to combat future diagnoses.
According to new research, practicing these five healthy lifestyle habits can reduce your IBS risk by up to 42%. Some of these elements may seem obvious to you, while others may be surprising. This is what science shows.
What the research shows
A new study published this week shows that intestine, The BMJ studied a group of 64,268 UK-based adults between the ages of 37 and 73. Participants had no previous diagnosis of IBS and were followed for an average of 12.6 years. The study found that five health-related behaviors were associated with lower risk of IBS: smoking cessation, optimal sleep (7-9 hours per night), high levels of vigorous physical activity, high “diet quality,” and moderate alcohol consumption. It emphasizes how they are correlated.
We found that practicing just one of the five lifestyle habits listed reduced your chances of developing IBS by 21%. According to this study, adding one more of these healthy habits can further lower your risk. According to this study, incorporating two into your routine lowers your risk by 36%, and three to five lowers your IBS risk by 42%.
Of course, smoking cessation and limiting alcohol consumption are indicators of a healthy lifestyle. It's unclear what the guidelines are for “vigorous physical activity,” but activities like walking, cycling, swimming, and your favorite sport have been shown to help regulate bowel movements. Incorporating healthy eating patterns, especially high-fiber foods, can also help you maintain a regular lifestyle.
Another point is how quality sleep contributes to overall health. Also, if you're sedentary, drink alcohol before bed, or rely too much on caffeine, this can lead to poor sleep quality. Importantly, all of these healthy lifestyle factors can help optimize your sleep.
conclusion
It is possible to manage the risk of IBS, and this study shows that a balanced lifestyle is best for overall health, especially digestive health. More research is needed to uncover the causes of IBS, so talk to your doctor if you're concerned about your toilet habits. Also read 7 common reasons why you poop a lot, according to a nutritionist.
