Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a stomach and intestinal disorder that results in cramping, constipation, diarrhea and other abdominal discomfort. Although there is no cure for the disorder, certain foods are known to trigger flare-ups of the condition. By creating an irritable bowel diet, chronic IBS sufferers may be able to relieve some of their discomfort and function more normally.
An irritable bowel diet is not a concrete concept. People may be triggered or sensitive to different foods, and what may help one patient may actually cause symptoms in another. Learning to build an irritable bowel diet requires careful observation of what foods are eaten and how they affect the digestive system. Some experts recommend keeping a daily food diary to help determine what foods may soothe or upset the stomach.
Most IBS conditions are the result of the stomach being unable to properly process some types of food. Foods that are high in fat, caffeine, and artificial sweeteners tend to bring on painful symptoms in many IBS patients. Most dairy products should be avoided, as many people with IBS develop some form of lactose intolerance, but some IBS patients recommend pro-biotic yogurt for its beneficial bacteria that can aid digestion.
Hydration is an important part of an irritable bowel diet. Drinking enough water can help regulate symptoms and prevent dehydration during attacks of diarrhea. Alcohol, coffee, and caffeinated sodas and teas have all been linked to IBS symptoms in some patients, and may need to be avoided.
Because IBS affects the digestive system, many irritable bowel diets recommend eating small meals throughout the day rather than a few large meals. Giving the digestive system less to process at one time can help prevent any symptoms from appearing. Eating small meals can also help identify specific foods that cause an adverse reaction; after a big meal, it may be difficult to tell which food caused which problem.
For many patients, an irritable bowel diet needs to be extra-high in fiber to help fight flare-ups of the condition. Eating double-fiber bread and leafy green vegetables can provide additional fiber that can regulate bowel problems. One major concern for IBS patients is the development of gluten intolerance. Ask a doctor to test you for gluten allergies before stocking up on high fiber whole wheat breads.
A diet high in fruits and vegetables is not only healthy, it can be beneficial for many people with IBS. Patients that have adverse reactions to food high in acid may want to beware of citrus fruits, however, which can upset the stomach. In combination with protein from soy or white meat and fiber-heavy carbohydrates, an IBS patient may be able to avoid many unpleasant flare-ups.
