Irritable Bowel Syndrome, also called IBS, is a disorder of the large intestine. It can be painful, frustrating and embarrassing. The exact cause of IBS is not known; however, treatment options may help control the symptoms. The most common symptoms associated with IBS include bloating, abdominal cramping, gas, diarrhea or constipation or both. Implement a diet that reduces stress in the colon and controls bowel function. Consult with your Registered Dietitian or doctor before making changes to your dietary pattern.
Controlling Diarrhea
IBS is often marked with bouts of diarrhea. Foods that may increase diarrhea for a person suffering with IBS are alcohol and foods high in fat and foods high in sugar. Gas-producing foods, such as broccoli, beans and cabbage, may also make diarrhea worse, as will artificial sweeteners like xylitol and sorbitol. Limit these types of food in your diet.
Manage Constipation
Although it may seem counter-intuitive to have both diarrhea and constipation, for IBS patients this dichotomy is often true. Adding fiber-rich fruits, vegetables and whole grains to your diet may help eliminate or manage constipation. Furthermore, drinking plenty of water, at least eight 8-oz. glasses per day, to help ease constipation.
Regulate the Bowels
Eating regularly at about the same times every day helps regulate the bowels. Avoid overeating, and eat food slowly in a relaxed environment. By keeping your intestines on a regular "schedule," you reduce stress in the colon, resulting in a more balanced bowel function. Also, eating at a slower pace in a quiet, low-stress place may help to relax the digestive system, further managing uncomfortable IBS symptoms.
Beware of Lactose
Lactose is a common bowel irritant that can exacerbate the bloating and gas of IBS. Milk, yogurt and other dairy products usually contain lactose. Reducing the amount of lactose-containing foods in your diet may help improve the painful abdominal cramping and other intestinal discomfort associated with IBS.
Sideline Stimulants
Stimulants, such as the caffeine in coffee, teas and colas, increase the motility of the gut, resulting in cramping, pain in the abdomen, and an urgency to use the restroom. Drinking smaller amounts of these stimulating beverages or cutting them out of the diet altogether may help control IBS. Since stimulants can affect everyone in different ways, experiment with these beverages to understand how they affect you and your specific IBS symptoms.
Seek Expert Help
For many sufferers of IBS, the symptoms can interfere with other parts of living. Furthermore, many IBS patients go undiagnosed and untreated. If you are experiencing any gastro-intestional distress, pain or discomfort, or changes in your bowel function, seek help from a your doctor. In addition, a Registered Dietitian can help you identify foods that make your symptoms worse and work with you to devise a dietary action plan to rest your gut and ease harsh IBS symptoms.
Time Frame
Although most people with Irritable Bowel Syndrome have it for their entire life, this does not mean that you need to suffer with painful and debilitating bowel struggles. By making simple changes to your diet, the symptoms associated with IBS can be drastically reduced within a few days or weeks. Long-term commitment to an IBS diet can make it possible for you to perform daily tasks without being hindered by your condition. Dietary changes will not "cure" IBS; however, making even small alterations to the diet can help manage some of the most severe IBS symptoms.
