Irritable bowel syndrome, or IBS, is a gastrointestinal condition that describes uncomfortable abdominal pains associated with gas, bloating, diarrhea and constipation. IBS is a relatively benign condition that does not typically result in more serious health complications. The causes for IBS are not precisely known and are likely going to be different in each individual. According to PubMed Health, IBS symptoms may be brought about during times of stress, which can overstimulate intestinal nerves.
Whole-Grain Foods
Since there is no known cause of IBS, there is no exact cure. However, intestinal health is largely dictated by your diet. High-fiber diets are typically associated with good intestinal health and low incidences of abdominal discomfort associated with IBS symptoms. A good source of dietary fiber is in whole-grain food products, including whole-grain breads, cereals, pasta and brown rice.
Fruits and Vegetables
In addition to whole-grain foods, fruits and vegetables are great sources of dietary fiber to help calm the symptoms associated with IBS. Fruits and vegetables are also loaded with essential nutrients like vitamins and minerals, which make them a healthy addition to all meals and as snacks during the day. According to MayoClinic.com, you should slowly increase the amount of fiber in your diet rather than adding it all at once. Even though fiber may keep your intestines healthy, it can also contribute to some of the symptoms, such as bloating, flatulence and constipation, if your body is not given enough time to adjust.
Symptom-Causing Foods
While stress may be one of the contributing factors for the onset of your IBS symptoms, there may be certain foods that trigger these reactions. For example, some individuals do not properly digest dairy products, which can cause many of the symptoms associated with IBS. Others may have allergies to wheat-based gluten products that elicit uncomfortable abdominal pains. If you are concerned that you may be sensitive to a specific food type, keep a food log and mark down every time you have a symptom so that you and your doctor can try to correlate any problem foods that you will need to avoid in the future.
Staying Hydrated
Drinking plenty of water every day can contribute to the overall health of your gastrointestinal tract and reduce IBS flare-ups. According to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse, you should drink six to eight glasses of water a day, especially to reduce the possibility of dehydration if you are experiencing diarrhea. You should avoid potentially irritating beverages like sodas, coffee, tea and alcohol.
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