Irritable bowel syndrome is a chronic digestive condition in which the muscles in your digestive system contract at irregular speeds, causing abdominal pain, gas, constipation and/or diarrhea. Treatment for IBS aims to prevent or reduce the severity of these symptoms. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, a healthy diet, inclusive of certain foods and nutrients, can play a useful role in IBS treatment. For best results, seek guidance from a health care or nutrition professional.
Fruits and Vegetables
Fruits and vegetables provide significant amounts of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, which can help strengthen your immune system and reduce your risk for additional health problems. The fiber content in fruits and vegetables can improve your digestive function, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. If you struggle with frequent gas and bloating, however, you may wish to avoid cruciferous vegetables, bananas and raisins. Consume a variety of types and colors of fruits and vegetables regularly for broadest nutritional benefits. Fruits and vegetables particularly rich in antioxidants and fiber include raspberries, blueberries, strawberries, cherries, kiwi, cantaloupe, apples, pears, red plums, tomatoes, spinach, kale, mustard greens, bell peppers and avocado. Though fresh fruits and vegetables are optimum, frozen, dried and canned varieties, free of added sugar and/or salt, provide valuable secondary options. If you experience frequent gas, cooked vegetables may be less likely to trigger symptoms than fresh.
Whole Grains
Whole grains provide rich amounts of vitamins, minerals and fiber. The University of Maryland Medical Center suggests whole-grain breads, pasta, rice and other foods in place of processed carbohydrates most often. Though wheat is the most common grain in America, aim for a variety of whole grains, as each provides a unique blend of nutrients. Examples of other nutrient-rich whole grains include bulgur, spelt, barley, oats, quinoa, brown rice, wild rice and popcorn. Though avoiding high-fiber foods during bouts of diarrhea may help reduce symptoms, consuming whole grains regularly can reduce other symptoms, such as digestive pain, gas and constipation. To switch from a low-fiber diet to a high-fiber diet, the Mayo Clinic suggests gradually increasing your fiber intake as a means of allowing your body time to adjust and preventing sudden symptoms. When purchasing whole grain breads, cereals, pasta and rice, check food packaging to ensure whole grains are listed as primary ingredients.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3 fatty acids are healthy fats your body obtains from food. As essential fatty acids known to reduce inflammation, omega-3 fats can help reduce painful inflammation and bloating caused by IBS and improve your overall health. Foods richest in omega-3 fats include Alaskan salmon, tuna, herring, mackerel, sardines, lake trout, flounder, ground flaxseed, flaxseed oil, soybeans, soybean oil, walnuts, walnut oil and tofu. Consume a variety of omega-3 fatty acid sources regularly for best results.
Probiotics
Probiotics are healthy bacteria that support healthy digestion and help prevent "bad" forms of bacteria in the body from causing infections. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, probiotics may help restore healthy digestive function in people with IBS. Foods rich in probiotics include yogurt with live active cultures, buttermilk, kefir (a yogurt-like beverage), fermented soy products, fermented cabbage and sauerkraut.
