"Spastic colon" is another term for "irritable bowel," according to the Mayo Clinic. Irritable bowel syndrome, or IBS, is a medical condition characterized by stomach cramping, sudden urges to move your bowels, diarrhea and constipation. Every case of spastic colon is different; you may experience several symptoms at once, or different symptoms at various times in your life. According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, it's possible to manage your IBS symptoms through changes in your diet.
High Fiber
A high-fiber diet may be beneficial to people with a spastic colon, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians. The digestive system works more efficiently with fiber, which can ease constipation associated with IBS. The AAFP warns against increasing your fiber intake quickly, which can cause gas and bloating along with the other symptoms you experience with IBS. Adding fiber to your diet slowly lets your body get used to the new diet.
Eat whole-grain pastas and breads and brown rice instead of processed grains. Increase the amount of fruits and vegetables you eat, including apples, pears and sweet potatoes, all with the skins on, berries, and kidney, black and pinto beans. Sneak fiber into other foods by mixing wheat bran into baked goods, cereals and yogurt.
Probiotics
Probiotics are a type of healthy bacteria that live in your digestive tract and can help keep your colon healthy. The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine--NCCAM--explains that some people who have irritable bowel syndrome may feel better when they include probiotics in their diet. Yogurt that is labeled as having live cultures, L. acidophilus or Lactobacillus contains probiotics. Miso soup, tempeh and soy products may also contain beneficial probiotics, according to NCCAM. Speak to your doctor about taking probiotic supplements if you are unable to eat dairy products or other foods that contain the healthy bacteria.
Restricted Dairy
A special diet that restricts or completely eliminates dairy products may be in order if symptoms consistent with a spastic colon strike you most after you've eaten milk-based products. According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, while not everyone who has IBS is lactose-intolerant--lacking an enzyme that helps you digest milk sugars--you may experience more bloating and cramping or intensified IBS symptoms after you ingest dairy if you are lactose-intolerant. Enzyme supplements taken before before ingesting milk, ice cream or cheese may allow you to enjoy dairy products without a problem; if not, you may need to turn to soy milk and other milk substitutes in order for your pain to subside.
Eliminate Dietary Triggers
Dietary triggers for a spastic colon can vary from person to person. According to the AAFP, foods high in fat, sugary treats such as chocolate, and caffeinated and alcoholic drinks are common triggers for IBS patients. Keeping a food journal that details your daily diet and your abdominal symptoms gives you a clear picture of your specific dietary triggers, which you can learn to avoid.
