The disorders irritable bowel syndrome and colitis are frequently confused and used interchangeably, but they are not the same. Colitis refers to an inflammation of the large intestine, while IBS does not cause inflammation. Both are affected by dietary habits and modifications of diet that can help improve symptoms. Before modifying your diet, consult a physician.
Colitis
Colitis is a form of inflammatory bowel disease characterized by sudden, unpredictable bouts of diarrhea and abdominal pain. As noted in "Nutrition and Diet Therapy," dietary modifications for patients with colitis is usually based on the patients tolerance and avoidance of irritating foods.
Colitis Diet Recommendations
Foods high in fiber, fat and lactose may increase colitis-related diarrhea and abdominal pain. According to "Better Nutrition," the most common problem foods include seeds, nut, raw fruits and vegetables and leafy greens. In addition, caffeinated and spicy foods aggravate symptoms. Meats, fish, poultry and eggs provide adequate nutrients in a colitis diet. Cooked fruits and vegetable, without skin or seeds are generally well tolerated. The overall nutritional recommendations for patients with colitis are individualized based on the extent of the disease. Foods should not be eliminated from the patients diet without a fair trial.
IBS 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 like colitis can.
IBS Aggravating Conditions
Diet and emotional stress aggravate irritable bowel syndrome. Eating causes contractions of the colon. The strength of the contractions correlates to the number of calories in a meal and 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.
IBS Diet Recommendations
A diet with extra fiber may be beneficial in treating constipation, a common symptom of IBS. Foods with extra fiber include whole grains and whole fruits, berries, prunes and Brussels 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 decrease the pain and reflux associated with irritable bowel syndrome. To help manage diarrhea, patients may have to test foods and determine which foods aggravate symptoms. Foods that may contribute to diarrhea include citrus fruits, corn, dairy products and wheat.
References
- "Nutrition and Diet Therapy"; F.A. Davis; 2011
- "RN"; Inflammatory Bowel Disease; J. Veronsesi; May 2003
- "Better Nutrition"; Nutritional Rx for Crohn's and Colitis; Figueras; May 2010
- National Digestive Diseases Information Clearing House: Irritable Bowel Syndrome
