Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a chronic digestive condition in which the muscles in your colon contract at irregular speeds, causing abdominal pain and cramping, gas, diarrhea and/or constipation. IBS is common, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center, inspiring up to 50 percent of patient visits to gastroenterologists. Medical treatment for IBS aims to prevent or reduce the severity of your symptoms. Lifestyle changes, such as eating small, frequent meals or snacks each day, may also help.
Starchy Foods
Starches, such as breads, pasta, cereals and crackers, provide glucose -- your body's primary energy source. Low-fat starch-based snacks, such as whole wheat or "baby" crackers, are typically well tolerated by IBS sufferers, according to the authors of "IBS Relief: A Complete Approach to Managing Irritable Bowel Syndrome." If you are experiencing diarrhea, low-fiber crackers, breads and cereals provide suitable options. Otherwise, consume fiber-rich starches, such as 100 percent whole grain breads, crackers, bagels, English muffins and cereals, for improved digestive function, appetite and weight control and to prevent or remedy symptoms of constipation.
Low-Fat Dairy Products
Dairy products, such as skim or low-fat milk, yogurt and cheeses, provide valuable amounts of protein and nutrients such as calcium and vitamin D. For nutritionally balanced, energy-sustaining snacks, top low-fat starches, such as crackers and toast, with low-fat cheese or enjoying a cereal you tolerate well with low-fat milk. If you do not consume or tolerate dairy products, soy-based and lactose-free milk products may provide similar benefits. Yogurt and kefir provide probiotics -- healthy bacteria that may improve your digestive health and reduce abdominal pain, gas, bloating and constipation associated with IBS. Due to the probiotic content, lactose-intolerant individuals are often able to digest yogurt and kefir.
Fruits and Vegetables
Fruits and vegetables provide nutritious snack foods for most anyone. If fiber-rich fruits and/or vegetables trigger or worsen your IBS symptoms, opt for peeled fruit, canned fruit stored in natural juices and cooked vegetables. Otherwise, incorporate a variety of fruits and vegetables into your snacks routinely. Antioxidants prevalent in colorful fruits and vegetables, such as berries, citrus fruits, tomatoes, leafy greens, squash, sweet potatoes and broccoli, provide exceptional disease and infection-fighting benefits.
Nuts and Seeds
Nuts and seeds provide heart-healthy, unsaturated fat and nutrients such as zinc, calcium and iron. As a fiber-rich seed variety, regular flaxseed consumption may reduce constipation, abdominal pain and bloating caused by IBS more effectively than psyllium husk -- a common fiber supplement, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Walnuts and flaxseed provide omega-3 fatty acids -- healthy fats that promote heart health and may help reduce inflammation in your digestive tract. Since healthy fat sources help your body absorb certain nutrients, incorporate nuts, seeds, peanut butter or almond butter into nutritious snacks for heightened benefits.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Irritable Bowel Syndrome
- "IBS Relief: A Complete Approach to Managing Irritable Bowel Syndrome"; Dawn Burstall, T. Michael Vallis, Geoffrey K. Turnbull; 2006
Member Comments