Irritable bowel syndrome, or IBS, is an intestinal disorder that causes symptoms such as gas, cramping, constipation and diarrhea. The foods you eat can affect the severity of your symptoms, so avoiding certain foods can encourage better digestion. Changing the way you eat also can help, such as eating smaller meals every few hours instead of three large meals. Talk to your doctor before making any dietary changes to treat your IBS.
Step 1
Limit the fat content in your diet. Read all food labels to determine how much fat is in the food items that you eat. Fatty foods can worsen IBS symptoms such as diarrhea. Avoid full-fat cheese, whole milk, gravy, cream-based soups, creamy sauces, fried meals and fatty cuts of meat.
Step 2
Eliminate dairy products to see if it has an effect on your IBS symptoms. Dairy products worsen IBS symptoms if you are lactose-intolerant, according to FamilyDoctor.org. Reintroduce dairy into your diet if you find no change in your symptoms.
Step 3
Get rid of gassy items from your diet. Certain food and drink, such as alcohol and chocolate, can make IBS patients experience gas after consuming.
Step 4
Drink water instead of caffeinated beverages. Caffeine can bring on a bout of diarrhea, states the UPMC Health System website.
Step 5
Reduce fiber intake based on your doctor's recommendations. When IBS causes diarrhea, your doctor might suggest that you follow a lower-fiber diet and limit nuts, beans, seeds, whole grains, raw veggies and fruits. If you are constipated, your doctor might recommend that you slowly increase the amount of fiber in your diet.
Tips and Warnings
- You might need to take a multivitamin and calcium supplement if you are eliminating foods from your diet to manage your IBS.
