Irritable bowel syndrome or IBS describes a series of symptoms including abdominal cramping and pain, bloating, gas, constipation and diarrhea. There is no known cause for IBS. IBS typically effects the large intestine or colon but can also effect other organs as well. In IBS colon does not contract normally but instead contracts spastically. In most cases IBS can be controlled by lifestyle changes including diet and stress control. High-fiber diets are often recommended with IBS to help prevent colon spasms. Weight loss can be a concern with IBS due to poor appetite and diarrhea.
Step 1
Keep a food diary of foods that are both tolerated well and not tolerated so well. People with IBS will find that certain foods will aggravate their symptoms making it difficult to eat an adequate diet. By keeping a food diary or journal these foods that are not tolerated well can be identified and kept tract of to avoid. Eating an adequate diet can help maintain weight or can even promote weight gain.
Step 2
Consume meals that are high in carbohydrate. Carbohydrates are an excellent fuel source and a diet high in carbohydrates provides additional calories to support weight gain. Choose whole-grain carbohydrates that are rich in fiber such as whole-grain pastas, rice, crackers, breads and cereals. Gradually increase the amount of fiber in the diet over a period of several weeks to avoid gas, diarrhea or abdominal pain.
Step 3
Drink six to eight glasses of water a daily to help with digestion and intestinal losses. Avoid carbonated beverages, alcohol and caffeine which can cause gas or diarrhea. Drinking water with help in weight gain by aiding in digestion to assure that the body is able to consume and digest adequate calories to promote weight gain.
Step 4
Eat smaller more frequent meals and don't skip meals. Try to eat at regularly scheduled times to help regulate bowel function. Eating small, frequent meals may be tolerated better and is a good way to add additional calories to help promote weight gain. Eating larger meals may result in abdominal pain, bloating or diarrhea that could result in skipping meals.
Step 5
Avoid sugar-free food items. Sugar-free sweeteners such as sorbitol or mannitol may not be tolerated well and are also present in food items that contain low or no calories. The focus should be on consuming higher calories items to promote weight gain; although, do avoid some high-calorie foods such as deep-fried foods and other high fat foods as these can aggravate symptoms of IBS. Choose low-fat milk such as 2 percent milk and cheeses that also provide calories but without the added fat.
Things You'll Need
- Whole grain bread products
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