Irritable bowel syndrome, or IBS, is a functional digestive disorder, meaning it interferes with the way your digestive tract maneuvers. Symptoms vary in frequency and intensity, but often include gas, abdominal pain and bloating, diarrhea, and/or constipation. Though IBS is treatable, up to 70 percent of people with IBS fail to seek proper care, according to the National Digestive Disorders Information Clearinghouse. In addition to medications, dietary changes help minimize your symptoms.
Function
The foods you consume may play an important role in managing IBS symptoms. Though altering your diet is not known to cure the disorder, consuming certain foods and avoiding others may help reduce the frequency or intensity of your symptoms and complement other treatment forms, such as medications, physical activity and psychological counseling. As with most any healthy diet, yours should provide sufficient amounts of nutrients and calories and take into account your personal needs and preferences.
Helpful Foods
Foods affect people with IBS differently. A healthy diet rich in whole grains, fruits and vegetables may help reduce your symptoms, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Varieties particularly rich in fiber, which promotes digestive function and can help relieve constipation, include pearled barley, oats, raspberries, pears, avocados, beans and lentils. Ground flaxseed is rich in fiber and omega-3 fatty acids -- healthy fats that may reduce inflammation. During bouts of diarrhea, consume bland, low-fiber foods, such as white rice and enriched bread and pasta. Cold-water fish provides omega-3 fats and rich amounts of protein, which promotes tissue repair and physical strength and provides a heart-healthy alternative to fatty meats. Yogurt and kefir contain probiotics -- healthy bacteria that may help restore bacterial balance in your intestinal tract.
Problem Foods
Taking note of foods that trigger or worsen your symptoms can help you plan a beneficial diet. Common food triggers associated with IBS, according to MayoClinic.com, include chocolate, caffeinated beverages and dairy products as well as sugar-free sweeteners, such as mannitol and sorbitol. If gas is a primary concern, limit or avoid gaseous vegetables, such as beans, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, cabbage and broccoli. Avoid greasy foods, such as fried chicken, bacon and pepperoni pizza, which may exacerbate gas, abdominal pain and diarrhea symptoms.
Eating Habits
Your eating habits can also influence IBS symptoms. Since large -- particularly large, high-fat meals -- may worsen your symptoms, the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse recommends aiming for smaller, more frequent meals. Staying properly hydrated by drinking water throughout each day and dining in calm, pleasurable eating atmospheres may also help. If you're unsure how foods are affecting your symptoms, keep a food journal that tracks your food intake and any observable symptoms.
