BUSCO
What is IBS and how does Buscopan IBS Relief work?
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a chronic gastrointestinal condition. 1 in 5 people in the UK are thought to suffer from this condition at some point in their lives. Common symptoms include abdominal discomfort, bloating and constipation. Hyoscine hydrobromide, a chemical produced by the Duboisia plant, is the active ingredient in Buscopan IBS Relief Tablets*.
It works by directly targeting the smooth muscles of the abdomen and interrupts the signal telling the gut muscles to cramp, relaxing contractions and relieving IBS abdominal discomfort.
1. Your emotions (via Gut-Brain axis)
The brain and the gut are directly connected through the vagus nerve. So, intense emotions can affect both the body and mind.
From euphoria to anxiousness, emotions can have a huge impact on the gut and mind. In someone with IBS, the gut can reflect emotions back as abdominal pain or other IBS symptoms.
In times of heightened emotions, there are a couple of tips below that may help you relax:
1. When you feel stressed, try to find ways to relax such as listening to music or going for a walk
2. Take a moment to yourself and practise breathing exercises to help reset and refocus the mind
2. Your diet
In some people with IBS, some foods or drinks can trigger abdominal discomfort such as bloating or IBS cramps.
If you are experiencing abdominal discomfort when eating certain foods, then try out some of the tips below to have a healthier and happier gut:
1. Use fresh ingredients in your homecooked meals where you can
2. Track your eating habits to see if you can identify any foods that trigger IBS symptoms. If you identify any foods that trigger symptoms, please speak to your GP for advice
3. Exercise regularly
3. Everyday stress
IBS pain can be caused due to stress and alteration of your stomach’s nervous system during stressful moments. If you are experiencing stress which is affecting your day-to-day life, then you should seek medical advice.
Stressful moments such as moving house or starting a new job cannot be avoided, but it is important to find ways to take the pressure off things. Here are some useful tips that may help:
1. Exercise is a great way to clear your thoughts and reduce some emotional intensity
2. Live in the moment and take some time away from your busy schedule
3. Connect with family and friends
Try to avoid using temporary ways of coping that are unhealthy, such as smoking or drinking alcohol.