Taking Back Control: Your IBS Journey Starts Here (Part 3 of My Tips Series)

If you’re reading this, chances are you know the struggle. The unpredictable flare-ups. The canceled plans. The constant worry about where the nearest bathroom is. Living with IBS can feel like you’re trapped in a cycle you didn’t ask for and can’t escape.

But here’s what I’ve learned after years of working with IBS patients and navigating this condition myself: you have more control than you think.

This is the third post in my new series, where I’ll share practical, science-backed strategies that have helped thousands of people reclaim their lives from IBS. No miracle cures or one-size-fits-all solutions—just real tools that work.

The Eating Position Reset

Most of us eat hunched over a desk, scrolling through our phones, or slouched on the couch. But your physical position while eating directly affects digestion.

When you're hunched forward, you compress your digestive organs. This can slow gastric emptying, increase bloating, and worsen reflux. For people with IBS, this mechanical pressure can be the difference between a comfortable meal and hours of discomfort.

The game changer: Sit upright with your feet flat on the floor. Keep your shoulders back. And here's the kicker—stay seated for at least 10 minutes after you finish eating. No jumping up to wash dishes or rushing back to work.

The practical tip: Think of it as meditation time. Those 10 minutes of sitting upright after meals give your stomach time to start processing food in an optimal position. Read something enjoyable, chat with family, or just sit. Your gut will thank you.