The question I’m frequently asked is, “How do you manage food blogging while dealing with the challenges of IBS?” Being a food blogger with IBS is undoubtedly a tough journey – Actually, just having IBS, in general, is bloody hard. The number of bathrooms I have shitted up and the amount of bog rolls I have gone through, especially in Lockdown. To be honest, you could say I was the one to blame for the shortage. Yes, it’s tough, but over time, I’ve learned to embrace this aspect of my life. Strangely, embracing my pesky arse has brought me a sense of empowerment and significantly improved my experience with IBS. Surprisingly, opening up about my condition has led to a reduction in my IBS episodes. Throughout the years, I’ve developed practical strategies that have helped me navigate dining out and other social situations while managing my IBS symptoms.

EMBRACE IT

Sharing my IBS journey transparently on my blog has initiated numerous conversations about the condition. I’ve realised that IBS is not an oddity; it’s a shared experience. Many people have this condition! Previously, I felt isolated as a young person who often had to make excuses to avoid social events due to IBS-related anxieties. I felt embarrassed and a constant let down to my friends and family. However, breaking the silence one day revealed that many of my friends also had IBS – “I have IBS too!” It wasn’t just one person out of six; it was six out of six people who have IBS! Through this honesty and talking about it openly, I’ve cultivated a community where discussing IBS is normal and even humorous. Come on, shit is hilarious – don’t get me started on the farting fits! This shift in perspective has transformed social interactions from anxiety-inducing moments to enjoyable and comfortable experiences. The fear of judgment or embarrassment has disappeared, allowing me to truly be myself. I don’t feel like I can’t talk about IBS openly anymore. Having a bit of fun with it puts me at ease and boosts my self-esteem. We should all feel free to talk about this and never made to feel embarrassed.

ALWAYS BE PREPARED

IBS symptoms can strike unexpectedly. Keep a small kit with spare clothing, wipes, and perfume. This preparation can provide peace of mind, and 9 times out of 10, I don’t need this. The 1% is when I do need it after overdosing on 10 pornstar martinis, which are bloody lethal, Jesus, I had a sore arse for a week. STAY AWAY FROM PORNSTAR MARTINIS!

KNOW WHERE YOUR TOILETS ARE!

For some reason, I have this weird thing about not being able to find a toilet (still have it now) I have it in my head a lot that not every restaurant and bar has a toilet. Remember that establishments are required by law to provide restroom facilities, so wherever you go, there will be a toilet with a lock and, hopefully, a toilet brush. Fear of not finding a restroom in unfamiliar places can trigger anxiety, so a quick Google search can instantly reduce my anxiety before visiting

BE MORE MINDFUL

Prioritizing foods that are gentle on the digestive system is crucial. While I’m tempted by sugary delights for content, I’ve learned to listen to my body. Ignoring its signals can lead to regrettable outcomes! If your belly says no, then listen to it! Don’t push it, or you’ll end up crapping yourself in a car on the way home.

COFEE OVERLOAD

While caffeine might not be the best choice for everyone with IBS, some find it helpful, like me in the mornings. A morning coffee can aid in flushing out toxins and help kickstart my day. I feel that when I have one in the morning, it clears me out and I go out feeling like I’m done for the day, so I can relax when I go out for food.

EXERCISE

Regular exercise has been shown to reduce stress and improve overall well-being. The only exercise I was getting was the run to the toilet. I believe stress is a big part of IBS. Stress before an interview? I poop. Stress before meeting someone new? I poop. Stress from watching Mom fry an egg and cover it in grease? I scream and poop at the same time. I started taking myself out of stressful situations and just closing my eyes and breathing. It helps a lot. Also, I started doing daily exercise, which has helped a lot in reducing stress.

PLAN YOUR MEALS

Planning meals earlier in the day before evening events has been a game-changer. Instead of overloading my system, I opt for frequent, small meals during the day and a more substantial meal in the evening. This strategy ensures that I’m comfortable and symptom-free during food-related events.

FASHION BABY!

Sometimes what you wear can trigger your IBS. Yes, that’s right! The relief I feel putting on just a pair of shorts under a dress is orgasmic – yes, that’s bloody hot to me! I find that when I wear tight and short clothing, I feel uncomfortable, and that stresses me out, leading to what feels like a pair of dolphins in my stomach doing backflips – then it’s the emergency run to the toilet. Wear what makes you comfortable; it helps a lot.

RELAX

One time, I was in a car on the way to Stratford-upon-Avon, stuck in traffic, and then it hit me – “God, I need to use the toilet” I started sweating, then I began to panic. I decided to sway back and forth, and suddenly, I started to feel less stressed, and the sweat dried up! I found that swaying back and forth helps me destress and relax. STRESS is the biggest cause of IBS. Sometimes it’s not even about needing to use the restroom; it’s just a mad farting session you need instead! I’ve also heard of other destress techniques. For instance, my friend has a clicker that she keeps pressing when she is feeling stressed or calming music helps.

IF YOU NEED TO GO, GO! DON’T DELAY!

I’ve noticed that if I delay going to the toilet, it’s worse for me. But when I simply go – it’s insane how many people say to me, “Oh no, I would never go to the toilet at a club!” Mate, I’ve been for a poo in a nightclub. I’ve had poo in a 2-Star Michelin restaurant, and I’ve even had a poo in a judge’s courtroom. If I need to go, I’m going to go! No matter where it is, as long as there are four walls and a roll of toilet paper, I AM GOING! Actually, to be honest, I have also had a poo in Sutton Park so I guess I don’t need four walls just a good bush and a couple of leaves.

Incorporating self-awareness, preparation, and adaptation has truly been the secret sauce in making my food blogging adventure with IBS a tad smoother. The key is to embrace your body’s quirks, tossing away any shame, and treating yourself to some top-notch self-care. By doing so, you’ll find life with IBS a little bit easier for you. Let’s face it, sometimes you just need to stand up and declare, “You know what? I’ve got IBS, and I’m fabulous!” It’s high time we normalised this because guess what? It’s a bloody ballache and anyone who has IBS needs a bloody medal!

If you’re ever up for a chat, a laugh, or just want to swap stories about the wildest bathroom locations, or the number of kids you had to push out the way to get to the toilet (Yes I knocked a kid flying on a Ryanair flight once, because I was literally going to shit myself) my inbox is always open for those who want to talk.

Remember babs, don’t ever feel like you can’t talk, there are plenty of IBS communities out there who understand the ins and outs of IBS. If you shit, I SHIT, and we are in this shit together!