Although irritable bowel syndrome, or IBS, does not cause permanent damage to your colon, the condition can cause considerable pain, put you at risk for nutritional deficits and affect your quality of life. Frequent diarrhea, a common symptom of IBS, can lead to dehydration, malnutrition and social isolation. A diet that addresses acute diarrhea while preventing further flare-ups may help you meet your nutritional needs and restore your sense of self-control.
Symptoms
IBS is a functional bowel disorder characterized by increased bowel sensitivity, gastrointestinal reactions to certain foods and altered bowel patterns. Abdominal cramps caused by spasms in your colon may lead to diarrhea, constipation, gas or bloating. If your symptoms include episodes of abdominal cramping with frequent loose stools, you may have diarrhea-predominant IBS, according to criteria described in a 2002 issue of "American Family Physician."
Goals
A diet to relieve diarrhea in IBS should prevent nutritional deficiencies and help normalize bowel movements. Replacing foods that cause diarrhea or eating these foods with other foods that help digestion may help you fulfill your nutritional requirements. Reducing diarrhea through dietary changes or fiber supplements may promote regular, solid bowel movements and increase your comfort level in social situations. Food reactions are highly individualized in IBS, and you should work closely with your doctor or a dietitian to fine tune your eating plan.
Strategies
Keeping a journal of your reactions to different foods will help you identify dietary triggers. Many people with IBS find that dairy products or foods high in fructose trigger their IBS symptoms. Caffeine, alcohol and fried or fatty foods may also provoke diarrhea. Probiotic supplements or foods such as milk or soy yogurt may replace the bacteria that occur naturally in your gut and restore healthy digestion. Foods rich in soluble fiber, a form of fiber that slows down your digestion and binds diarrhea, may help your body absorb nutrients and solidify your stools.
Nutrition
Foods that are rich in soluble fiber may help normalize your bowel movements. Peaches, pears, berries, bananas and oatmeal provide soluble fiber and may replace potassium and other nutrients lost to diarrhea. Avocados, potatoes and fruit nectars are rich in potassium, and many people with IBS find them easy to tolerate. Drink at least eight glasses of water per day to stay hydrated. Non-acidic juices, herbal tea, meat or vegetable broth and electrolyte replacement drinks will also maintain hydration and replace vitamins and minerals. Drink liquids between meals rather than with meals to avoid feeling overly full. Four or five small, light meals per day may be easier to tolerate than three heavier meals.
Foods to Limit or Avoid
After your IBS symptoms are under control, you should explore a wide range of foods to avoid malnutrition. However, a low-fiber diet may help you recover from severe flare-ups of diarrhea, according to the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. Foods that are high in insoluble fiber -- form of fiber that your body can't digest -- may worsen your IBS symptoms. Fibrous raw vegetables such as cauliflower, broccoli and corn are high in insoluble fiber and may cause gas or bloating. Wheat bran, beans, fatty foods and processed meats may also aggravate sensitive bowels. Consult your health care provider about fiber supplements or prescription medications that may help resolve diarrhea.
