If you have been diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome, talk with your gastroenterologist before using Slim Fast shakes. Slim Fast shakes are marketed as a weight loss plan that provides you will essential vitamins and minerals in a low-fast meal replacement shake. Not everyone has the same severity of symptoms from IBS and you may be able to tolerate the ingredients in the beverage. Your doctor may recommend that you participate in a challenge diet before implementing Slim Fast into your regular diet.
IBS
IBS is a common chronic condition that primarily affects your large intestine, also called your colon. Most symptoms of IBS are triggered by what you eat and your stress level. Common symptoms include gas, bloating, stomach cramping abdominal pain, constipation and diarrhea. Unlike other intestinal disorders, IBS does not cause any damage to your intestines or colon, according to MayoClinic.com. Although there is no cure for IBS, symptoms are manageable through dietary modifications and lifestyle changes to reduce stress.
Cause
Medical professionals are unsure what causes IBS. It is clear that the digestive complication is related to abnormal muscle spasms in the large intestine that may be the result of communication breakdown between the brain and the colon. Other possible causes may be related to abnormal muscle contractions in the large intestine.
Slim Fast Shakes
Slim Fast shakes may contain certain ingredients that could trigger IBS symptoms. Possible triggers found in Slim Fast shakes include milk, lactose, chocolate and soy. According to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse, some of these ingredients are common triggers for IBS symptoms. If you develop diarrhea, constipation or stomach pain after drinking a Slim Fast shake, stop using the beverage and talk with your doctor.
Challenge Diet
A challenge diet is intended to identify whether or not the ingredients in the Slim Fast shake are triggering your IBS symptoms. Your doctor will ask that you remove all dairy, chocolate and soy from your diet for one to two weeks. After the two weeks pass, drink a Slim Fast shake and record any adverse reactions that may occur. Your doctor may ask you to try a new flavor each day to determine if some flavors don't affect your IBS symptoms. If you develop severe symptoms while participating in a challenge diet, stop the diet and call your doctor.
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