IBS Diet to Gain Weight

Irritable bowel syndrome, or IBS, is a digestive disorder that affects 20 percent of adults in the United States, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Disorders. Symptoms vary from person to person but usually include gas, bloating, nausea, diarrhea and constipation, all of which may affect your ability to adequately eat enough to maintain a healthy weight. You can modify your diet to help control your IBS and promote weight gain.

Diet and IBS

Your diet for IBS depends on your symptoms. If your IBS causes constipation, you need to follow a high-fiber diet that includes 20 to 35 g of fiber a day. Fiber in food helps add bulk to stool and improves bowel regularity, which can decrease the bloating and fullness associated with constipation, improving your appetite. If your IBS causes diarrhea, you need to follow a low-fiber and low-residue diet to minimize the diarrhea. This means avoiding foods that cause loose bowel movements, such as foods high in fiber and dairy foods.

Calorie Needs

To gain weight weight on your IBS diet you need to eat more calories than your body uses each day. Consuming an extra 500 to 1,000 calories a day should produce a 1 to 2 lbs. weekly weight gain, according to the authors of "Krause's Food, Nutrition and Diet Therapy." How much you need to eat each day depends on your current intake, height, weight and activity level. Most people can gain weight consuming 2,500 to 3,000 calories a day. Consult your physician or dietitian to determine your calorie needs for weight gain.

Meals

To help manage both your IBS and increase your calorie intake for weight gain, try eating six small meals a day instead of three. Eating smaller meals more often can limit bloating and feelings of fullness associated with meals, making meal times more comfortable and enjoyable. Eating more often also gives you more opportunities to meet your calorie needs for weight gain.

Calorie Boosters

Adding high-calorie foods to your usual intake can add the extra calories you need to promote weight gain. If your IBS causes constipation, including nuts, seeds and dried fruits in your diet can add both calories and fiber. A 1 oz. serving of nuts contains 150 to 200 calories, and a 1/4 cup serving of dried fruits about 120 calories. If diarrhea is your problem, drinking non-acidic juices in between meals can keep you hydrated and add calories. One cup of juice contains about 120 calories. Fats and oils are also good calorie booster, but it can exacerbate the diarrhea. One teaspoon of oil or butter contains 45 calories. You can also add cheese to foods to boost calories, choose low-fat if you have diarrhea.