Spastic colon, also known as nervous bowel and irritable bowel syndrome, or IBS, is a disruption in the health and strength of your intestines' muscular contractions. This lack of regularity in contractions can cause problems such as constipation, diarrhea, abdominal pain, bloating, gas and mucus in your stool, according to Health Services at Columbia University. Fortunately, spastic colon doesn't do serious long-term damage to your intestines, and you can help control your symptoms by managing the foods you eat.
Fiber-Rich Foods
Adding fiber-rich foods to your diet is the most effective way to treat spastic colon, according to the University of Iowa Health Care. Fiber can help reduce spasms in your bowel and make stool softer and easier to pass. However, you may find that your diarrhea, bloating, cramping and gas get worse if you suddenly add lots of fiber to your diet. Your best bet is to slowly add fiber to your diet over the span of three or four weeks to give your body some adjustment time. Foods that are rich in fiber include beans, whole grains, fruits and vegetables.
Fiber Supplementation
Get in touch with your doctor and a registered dietitian if your spastic colon symptoms stay the same or get worse after you slowly add fiber into your diet. You may need to limit the fiber you consume through foods and take a supplement such as a high-fiber powder or pill instead, according to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse. Supplemental fiber tends to cause less bloating and gas than the fiber you take in through foods. If your doctor or dietitian recommends that you take a supplement, she will likely suggest slowly increasing your intake and drinking water regularly throughout your day to minimize any potential constipation, gas and bloating.
Yogurt and Other Probiotic Foods
You may be surprised to learn that not all bacteria are harmful. Certain microorganisms -- called probiotics -- can help you digest your food and protect you from harmful microorganisms. Although research is still in its early stages, some evidence suggests that consuming foods rich in "good" bacteria can help treat spastic colon symptoms. For instance, various studies shown at the American College of Gastroenterology's 73rd Annual Scientific Meeting concluded that consuming probiotics could help reduce symptoms such as diarrhea, abdominal pain, bloating and stool dysfunction in people with spastic colon, according to ScienceDaily. Eating yogurt or other fermented foods with a label stating "contains live and active cultures" may help reduce your symptoms, but you should talk to your doctor to determine what type of probiotics -- and how much of it -- is likely to help reduce your specific symptoms.
Food Limitations
Although no specific food causes spastic colon, you may discover that some foods tend to make your symptoms worse. Common culprits of spastic colon symptoms are dairy products, alcohol, chocolate, caffeinated beverages, spicy and fatty foods, artificial sweeteners, cabbage, barley, rye, wheat, cauliflower and broccoli. One way to determine whether certain foods are culprits of your own symptoms is to keep a food diary for two or three weeks. Record any symptoms you have and keep track of the foods you eat to find common trends. If you do find a link, ask your doctor how you may safely remove offenders from your diet but still get the right amount of nutrients.
References
- Health Services at Columbia University: Spastic Colon; 1994
- American Academy of Family Physicians: Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Tips on Controlling Your Symptoms
- University of Iowa Health Care: Irritable Bowel Syndrome (Spastic Colon)
- MayoClinic.com: Irritable Bowel Syndrome
- National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse: What I Need to Know About Irritable Bowel Syndrome; 2007
- ScienceDaily: How Effective Are Probiotics in Irritable Bowel Syndrome?; 2008
