Irritable bowel syndrome causes recurrent episodes of constipation or diarrhea, along with cramps, bloating and gas. Symptoms can cause embarrassment and interfere with work and other activities. Dietary modifications can help to control symptoms. Knowing the triggers may require some trial and error with different foods.
History
Irritable bowel syndrome through the years has been called many names, among them colitis, mucous colitis, spastic colon or spastic bowel. Most of these terms are inaccurate. No link has been established between irritable bowel syndrome and inflammatory bowel disease. Irritable bowel syndrome does not permanently harm the intestines and does not lead to cancer.
Symptoms
Symptoms may resemble Crohn's disease or peptic ulcer. Lactose intolerance can also mimic symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. Patients may complain of abnormal bowel habits alternating between diarrhea and constipation. Other associated symptoms include abdominal distention and a feeling of urgency after a meal, relieved with a bowel movement.
Aggravating Conditions
The most likely conditions that aggravate irritable bowel syndrome are diet and emotional stress. Eating causes contractions of the colon. The strength of the contractions is related to the number of calories in a meal, and primarily the amount of fat. Fats in any form, animal or vegetable, are strong stimuli of colon contractions. Foods containing fat include meats of all kinds, whole milk, cheese and butter, vegetable oil, margarine and avocado.
Diet and Nutrition
A diet with extra fiber may be beneficial in treating constipation. Foods with extra fiber include whole grains and whole fruits, berries, prunes and Brussel sprouts. High-fiber diets keep the colon mildly distended, which may prevent spasms. Following a low-fat diet and avoiding substances that irritate the mucosa -- including alcohol, caffeinated beverages, tomatoes and chocolate -- may help decrease the pain and reflux associated with irritable bowel syndrome. To help manage diarrhea, patients may have to test foods and determine which ones aggravate their symptoms. Foods that may contribute to diarrhea are citrus fruits, corn, dairy products and wheat.
Treatment
Symptoms may be eased by eating smaller meals more often or just eating smaller portions, especially if meals are low in fat and high in carbohydrates. Stress also stimulates spasms of the colon; therefore, reducing stress can help relieve irritable bowel symptoms. Foods that aggravate the symptoms are individualized and should be avoided.
References
- "Harvard Women's Health Watch"; Understanding and treating an irritable bowel; Harvard Medical School; April 2004
- National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse: Irritable Bowel Syndrome
- "Nutrition and Diet Therapy"; F.A. Davis; 2011
