Dietician Charliejeane Shares Insights On How Men Can Overcome Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a chronic disorder affecting the digestive system and manifests as abdominal pain or discomfort and compromised bowel activities¹. This occurs in the form of recurrent diarrhea, constipation, or both².
It is a common disorder, estimated to be experienced by 400 to 800 million people worldwide³. The true prevalence may be higher because many people with IBS symptoms do not seek medical advice⁴.
Scientific research shows this digestive disorder is predominantly diagnosed in females⁵,⁶. In a survey conducted by the International Foundation for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders (IFFGD), only 35% to 40% percent of those who report having IBS are male.
Among others in the medical field, dietician Charliejeane Cooke believes that this demographic disproportion is likely influenced by the fact that fewer men choose to seek help as opposed to women⁷.
“Many men suffer in silence and some self-diagnose,” she explains. “This risks their health and wellbeing, delays getting appropriate help, and prolongs their suffering – physically and mentally.”
A recognized expert on the subject, Charliejeane has been helping numerous patients, particularly male professionals, in managing their IBS. The UK-based dietician stresses that men struggling with the condition need to reach out for help.
Based on her experience as well as that of other healthcare professionals, males find it difficult to seek professional care because this conflicts with masculine and societal ‘norms’ of strength, stoicism, and self-reliance⁵,⁸,⁹. The often embarrassing symptoms of IBS, particularly, potentially add further insult to patients.
As an army official having spent years with the Special Air Service (SAS), she knows firsthand the social and psychological struggle of hardcore men experiencing health issues.
“Men tend to have a fear of appearing vulnerable, weak, and dependent,” says Charliejeane.
She further notes that many services, experts, or gurus on the internet and social media focus on women only.
Amidst all these, Charliejeane states that it is very possible for IBS-affected men to live productively if their condition will be addressed correctly. Her professional motto, ‘Health First. Performance Follows.’ is a principle she upholds and imparts to all her patients.
“If you don’t have your health, everything else in life can take a hit – daily life, activity, work performance, finances, relationships, enjoyment, and mental health. And this can go into a downward spiral.”
To date, there is no permanent cure for IBS, but healthcare practitioners like Charliejeane are able to give aid by guiding patients on effectively managing their symptoms. As an experienced IBS dietician, Charliejeane recommends that the most crucial first step to overcoming the condition is to accept the existence of the problem, and the need for help from an expert who can guide them. Together with a professional, they can develop a tailored plan that aligns with their unique needs. Lastly, she states that every patient needs to have the right mindset – a combination of grit, the commitment and effort to their treatment, and patience that things will get better.
More information about Charliejeane Cooke and her services is found on her website, https://www.charliejeane.com/.
Contact Charliejeane Cooke at [email protected] for reference details.
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