Should I Ignore IBS? Why It's a Bad Idea to Put It Off

Well, let me start by saying: if you're dealing with IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome), ignoring it isn’t really an option. Trust me, I’ve been there, and I know how tempting it can be to just push through. After all, we’re all so busy, right? Who has time to deal with digestive issues that come and go? But here’s the thing: ignoring IBS can make your life harder in the long run.

What is IBS, Exactly?

Alright, let’s get this out of the way first. IBS is a chronic condition that affects your large intestine, causing symptoms like bloating, abdominal pain, diarrhea, constipation, and sometimes both (yes, IBS can be that unpredictable). Honestly, it can feel like your stomach’s running the show and you’re just trying to catch up. But it’s not just about the physical discomfort – it can also mess with your mental health. Anxiety, depression, stress – they all tend to go hand-in-hand with IBS.

My Personal Experience: Why Ignoring IBS Was a Big Mistake

A few years ago, I thought I could just "deal with it" when IBS symptoms started to pop up. At first, it wasn’t that bad – just some bloating here and there, maybe a few cramps after a meal. I brushed it off as no big deal. But then, bam, things escalated. Suddenly, I was dealing with severe stomach pain, rushing to the bathroom multiple times a day, and honestly feeling pretty miserable. I had no idea what was happening.

I kept telling myself, "Oh, it'll pass," but it didn’t. In fact, it only got worse. Eventually, I realized that I was spending more time worrying about my stomach than actually enjoying life.

Why You Shouldn’t Ignore IBS

Here’s the thing about IBS: the sooner you address it, the better. I get it – you might think it’s just something you’ll get used to. But ignoring IBS doesn’t make it go away. In fact, it often makes it worse. I’m not even kidding – if I had taken it seriously earlier, I could’ve avoided a lot of the stress, pain, and discomfort I went through.

1. It can disrupt your daily life.
Honestly, IBS can be devastating if you let it go untreated. Whether you’re trying to focus at work, enjoy time with friends, or even relax at home, the constant discomfort can wear you down. Trust me, I’ve been there, trying to focus on a meeting while my stomach’s doing somersaults. It’s frustrating.

2. Your symptoms can worsen over time.
Ignoring IBS can lead to more severe symptoms. If your gut isn’t getting the care it needs, things like bloating and pain can get much worse. I’ve seen friends ignore their symptoms, and they end up dealing with things like dehydration (from diarrhea) or vitamin deficiencies (from not absorbing enough nutrients). Not fun.

3. It can affect your mental health.
Here’s the thing that a lot of people don’t talk about – IBS messes with your head, too. Anxiety and stress can trigger IBS symptoms, and IBS symptoms can trigger anxiety and stress. It’s a vicious cycle. I remember the panic I felt when I was about to go somewhere, and I wasn’t sure if I’d be able to make it through without a bathroom emergency. If you don’t address IBS, you might find yourself living in fear of social situations.

Should You See a Doctor About IBS?

You might be asking yourself, “Okay, so I shouldn’t ignore it, but what now?” The first step is to talk to a healthcare professional. Seriously, don't just keep living with it. I know it can feel awkward to bring up digestive issues, but a doctor can help you get on the right path. They’ll usually ask about your symptoms, do some tests (to rule out other conditions), and might recommend a combination of diet changes, medications, or stress management techniques.

Dietary Changes: What Helped Me

Honestly, one of the biggest game-changers for me was adjusting my diet. I had no idea how much food could impact my IBS. Once I started avoiding certain triggers (like too much dairy and processed foods), my symptoms improved significantly. It wasn’t an instant fix, but it was a step in the right direction.

My friend Sara, who’s been dealing with IBS for years, swears by the FODMAP diet. Have you heard of it? It’s a low-fermentable carbohydrate diet that can help reduce bloating and discomfort. It’s worth checking out if you’re struggling.

Managing Stress and IBS

I’ll be honest here: I had no idea how much my stress was making my IBS worse. Once I started focusing on reducing my stress – through mindfulness, yoga, and just taking a break when I needed it – my symptoms eased up. It's crazy how much stress and IBS are linked. I can’t tell you how many times I felt fine after just doing a quick meditation session or going for a walk outside.

So, Should You Ignore IBS?

Absolutely not. If you’re dealing with IBS, don’t think you can just power through. Trust me, I tried. Ignoring it only makes things harder down the road. It doesn’t mean you have to panic or be overwhelmed, but addressing the issue early can save you a lot of discomfort, frustration, and even embarrassment.

Take it seriously, talk to a doctor, and explore diet and lifestyle changes that could help. Honestly, you’ll feel so much better once you’re on top of it. You’re worth that extra care, don’t you think?

Final Thoughts

Look, I know it’s easy to let IBS slide, especially when life gets busy. But ignoring it is just setting yourself up for more headaches (literally and figuratively). If you're experiencing symptoms, don't wait for them to "just go away." Take action, make the changes you need, and you’ll feel better. Don’t let IBS control your life – take control of your health.

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The predicted height for a female, based on your parents heights, is 155 to 165cm. Most 15 year old girls are nearly done growing. I was too. It's a very normal height for a girl.

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How Tall Should a 12 Year Old Be? We can only speak to national average heights here in North America, whereby, a 12 year old girl would be between 137 cm to 162 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/3 feet). A 12 year old boy should be between 137 cm to 160 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/4 feet).

How tall is a average 15 year old?

Average Height to Weight for Teenage Boys - 13 to 20 Years

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Staying physically active is even more essential from childhood to grow and improve overall health. But taking it up even in adulthood can help you add a few inches to your height. Strength-building exercises, yoga, jumping rope, and biking all can help to increase your flexibility and grow a few inches taller.

Is 5.7 a good height for a 15 year old boy?

Generally speaking, the average height for 15 year olds girls is 62.9 inches (or 159.7 cm). On the other hand, teen boys at the age of 15 have a much higher average height, which is 67.0 inches (or 170.1 cm).

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Most girls stop growing taller by age 14 or 15. However, after their early teenage growth spurt, boys continue gaining height at a gradual pace until around 18. Note that some kids will stop growing earlier and others may keep growing a year or two more.

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Even with a healthy diet, most people's height won't increase after age 18 to 20. The graph below shows the rate of growth from birth to age 20. As you can see, the growth lines fall to zero between ages 18 and 20 ( 7 , 8 ). The reason why your height stops increasing is your bones, specifically your growth plates.