Irritable bowel syndrome shares symptoms with other gastrointestinal disorders, such as celiac disease, Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. Though each is a distinctive disorder, all three present with abdominal pain and changes in bowel habits. The goal of treatment of irritable bowel syndrome, often referred to as IBS, is to relieve symptoms. Lifestyle changes such as ways to reduce stress and dietary changes may help relieve bowel symptoms.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Adolescents, young adults and women most often suffer the symptoms of abdominal pain, fullness, gas and bloating. These main symptoms of IBS range from mild to severe, are present for at least six months, can occur intermittently or after meals, or be reduced or go away after having a bowel movement. A person with IBS has changes in bowel habits, either diarrhea or constipation, or an alternating pattern of both. No specific IBS diet is generally recommended because the condition varies from one person to another. Avoiding wheat, as well as rye and barley, in the diet may help relieve symptoms.
Wheat-Free Diet Is Not Gluten-Free Diet
As the name implies, a wheat-free diet involves eliminating all products made with wheat and wheat flour. By following such a diet, you avoid bread made with wheat flour, but you can find recipes to make homemade bread using rice flour, potato flour and corn flour. Rice noodles are a good substitute for pasta made with wheat. Read the labels of prepared soups, sauces and commercially prepared meals to know if wheat or wheat flour is an ingredient.
Gluten refers to the protein found in wheat, rye and barley. In people with a sensitivity to gluten, this protein injures the lining of the small intestine and causes symptoms of abdominal cramps, bloating, gas, diarrhea and weight loss. By following a gluten-free diet, you avoid wheat, rye and barley and all products made from or that contain these grains.
Gluten Sensitivity and IBS
The factors that trigger the symptoms of IBS are not completely understood. In an editorial published in the March 2011 issue of the "American Journal of Gastroenterology," Elena F. Verdu, M.D., Ph.D., writes that the effects of food allergies on the gastrointestinal tract have been well-studied, but the immune hypersensitivity reactions to specific food components, such as gluten, are less understood. She notes that attention is being given to the role of gluten sensitivity in people with IBS. Dr. Verdu cites the results of a study conducted by Jessica R. Biesiekierski and her colleagues. The results, also published in this same issue, looked at the possibility that gluten can trigger gastrointestinal symptoms in people who do not have celiac disease. It was found that eliminating gluten from the diet seems to improve the gastrointestinal symptoms for some individuals.
Wheat-Free Diet for IBS
Keeping a diary of what foods or circumstances trigger symptoms is helpful for people suffering with IBS. Once the aggravating component is identified, a physician will advise the patient to make lifestyle and dietary changes. Gluten, including wheat, intolerance may be a contributing factor for some people. If you have IBS, consult your doctor before beginning a wheat-free or gluten-free diet.
References
- PubMed Health: Irritable Bowel Syndrome
- Medline Plus: Irritable Bowel Syndrome
- NDDIC: What You Need to Know About Irritable Bowel Syndrome
- "American Journal of Gastroenterology"; Editorial: Can Gluten Contribute to Irritable Bowel Syndrome?; Elena F. Verdu, M.D., Ph.D.; March 2011
- "American Journal of Gastroenterology"; Gluten Causes Gastrointestinal Symptoms in Subjects Without Celiac Disease: A Double-Blind Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trial; Jessica R Biesiekierski, et al.; March 2011
