IBS: What to Eat and What NOT to Eat

While foods do not actually cause the attacks of the symptoms, we can't still ignore the fact that there are certain problematic foods that can set off some symptoms including constipation, diarrhea and bloating.

Unfortunately, there is no standard diet that can be used by all patients. In fact, even if a diet plan works for one, it does not necessarily imply that it will also do good for another patient with similar condition. Nevertheless, there are some common guidelines that can be used to determine what specific foods normally aggravate the symptoms.

It is important to remember though that there is no clear explanation as to why foods may have triggering effects on Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Nonetheless, association with this condition towards specific diet is often pointed as the culprit of IBS.

Thus, the common placebo among patients is the lessening of symptoms with the elimination or restriction from foods that are known to cause the attacks.

Since large meals can produce strain and compaction in the stomach, it is advisable that one should take several small meals rather than take three regular meals. This habit will help the patient reduce the likelihood of triggering diarrhea or constipation.

It is also important that the patient minimize the intake of fat-based foods. This is because fat is relatively harder and slower to be digested. Poor digestion is said to be closely associated with Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Often, this may cause gas in the intestine that further leads to the rise of many symptoms that could aggravate the problem.

In addition to these, dietary fat is known to make the movement of gas slower from the stomach to the small intestine. A number of patients have been observed to respond exaggeratedly towards dietary fats through further slowing. Thus, while there may not be much established facts on this, it is still better to prevent any possibilities from occurring.

The "greens" and natural components are often the best solution to most intestinal complications. Dietary fiber from fruits and vegetables, beans and wheat-based products often provide solution to the ills of the gastrointestinal tract.

While fiber may not help in the reduction of abdominal pain, its significant effects in constipation surely help those who suffer from this symptom. Fiber is known to improve the bulkiness of the stool, which helps create better removal of the stool.

Because lactose intolerance is often associated with Irritable Bowel Syndrome, people find it helpful to refrain from milk intake so as to avoid further complications. But like with other diet plans, lactose elimination would not mean the release from IBS symptoms. It will just add to the comfort of lesser symptoms.


Treating IBS by Changing Diet

Changing your diet can actually help in reducing symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome. However bear in mind that before you change your diet it is important that you consult your doctor since there are certain foods that aggravate symptoms of IBS. Your doctor will guide on the proper food to take and to avoid.

Keeping a journal can also help you to keep track of food that you have to avoid. Some of the common foods to avoid include dairy products, which really caused Irritable Bowel Syndrome symptoms. Fiber-rich foods are great for controlling IBS symptoms especially constipation.

You can get fiber from whole grain breads, fruits, cereals and vegetables. Fiber-rich foods help in keeping the colon distended, which in turn prevents spasms. There are also some types of fiber that store water in the stool making it easy for IBS patients to move bowel. But remember to add fiber in your diet gradually so you would not have gas pain. If the IBS symptom you have is diarrhea then a fiber-rich diet is not a solution.

In addition, drinking six to eight glasses of fluid can also help in preventing constipation and dehydration especially for IBS patients that have diarrhea. Drinking sodas or any carbonated drinks, chewing gum, eating too fast and eating large meals is a no-no for IBS patients since it triggers symptoms of Irritable Bowel Symptoms.

Knowing what creates the triggering effects will help you create a feasible diet plan for Irritable Bowel Syndrome. While this may not actually be enough as a treatment, it will largely contribute to the facilitation of larger-scale plan for suppressing the symptoms.