If you suffer from Irritable Bowel Syndrome, or IBS, you know how important diet can be. You also know that what you can eat one day and digest without problems can cause symptoms the next time you indulge. A proper IBS diet is the one that leaves you as symptom free as possible.
Food and Symptoms
IBS symptoms include bloating and gas, constipation or diarrhea, mucous in the stool and the intense need to have an immediate bowel movement. Often you may suffer diarrhea only in the morning and feel as though you need to have another bowel movement after you have already had one.
IBS can also vacillate between bouts of diarrhea and constipation with little warning. Trying to track the foods that cause symptoms is a frustrating task because the target seems to constantly be moving.
Food Choices
Almost everyone has a certain food or type of foods that they find difficult to digest. If you have IBS, the range of foods that cause symptoms may be wider. You may not tolerate spicy or acidic-based foods, such as tomato sauce. Perhaps you can not efficiently digest green peppers, cucumbers, garlic, cabbage, beans or cauliflower because they result in gas and bloating. As you experiment with foods, you will identify those to avoid and which work for you.
Foods high in fat and caffeine often trigger symptoms. Caffeine can result in cramping because it causes your intestines to contract. Alcohol, chocolate, artificial sweetners and fried foods do not belong in a proper IBS diet.
Stress
Stress plays a part in the severity of IBS symptoms. You may be able to tolerate spicy foods or foods with a higher fat content when you are relaxing at home. But that same food can cause symptoms when you are traveling to an important personal or business destination due to your increased stress level.
Dairy
If your symptoms are aggravated when you eat dairy products, you may also have a degree of lactose intolerance. If milk and ice cream produce IBS symptoms, talk with your health care provider to explore the possibility of lactose intolerance. Fermented dairy, such as yogurt, sour cream, buttermilk and some types of cheese, may be better tolerated.
Fiber
Fiber is an important ingredient in normal bowel function and health. Soluble fiber can have a positive impact on both diarrhea and constipation. Good sources of natural soluble fiber are found in apples, beans and citrus fruits.
You can also try adding over-the-counter soluble fiber products, such as Fiberall, Metamucil or Perdiem--all of which contain psyllium which is a natural vegetable fiber. The caveat with fiber is to increase your intake slowly to avoid causing cramping, gas and bloating.
If you suffer from constipation, insoluble fiber is helpful because it moves the food though your digestive system by adding bulk to the stool. Insoluble fiber sources include whole grains, bran and raw vegetables.
