A disorder that interferes with normal functioning of the colon, irritable bowel syndrome typically affects women more often than men. Although medications can help control the symptoms of IBS, dietary changes often are necessary. Since certain foods, like rice, trigger the uncomfortable symptoms associated with the condition, your IBS diet will help you maintain comfort and health.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Irritable bowel syndrome affects the large intestine. As of publication, the exact cause of IBS remains unknown, but the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse suggests that it might be caused by a particularly sensitive colon or immune system. Regardless of its cause, IBS typically causes abdominal pain, bloating, cramping, constipation and diarrhea. In most cases, symptoms of IBS are linked to the consumption of certain foods.
Foods to Avoid
If you suffer from IBS, adjusting your diet could help relieve or eliminate many of the symptoms associated with the condition. Since food triggers can vary from one person to the next, make note of any foods that seem to cause distress and avoid these foods whenever possible. As a general rule, most people with IBS might need to avoid fatty foods, fried foods, red meat, wheat, barley, rice, rye, dairy products, chocolate and alcohol. In some cases, the high fiber content of fruits and vegetables also can cause IBS symptoms. Large meals also can cause a flare-up of IBS symptoms. Instead, eat several small meals and snacks throughout the day.
Foods to Eat
MayoClinic.com explains that "fiber can be a mixed blessing" for people with irritable bowel syndrome. Although high-fiber foods can help relieve constipation, they can make bloating, gas and cramping even worse -- hence the reason rice causes bloating. Along with rice, high-fiber foods include whole grains, fruits, vegetables, legumes and beans. If you are unsure how your body will react to rice and other high-fiber foods, gradually increase the amount of fiber you eat each day over a period of several weeks. If dairy foods trigger your IBS symptoms, try to find at least a few dairy products your body can handle. Although you might not be able to drink milk, low-fat yogurt or cheese might be a good alternative.
Eating Rice
Unless your IBS makes it extremely difficult or uncomfortable to eat rice, you should be able to enjoy the food regularly. In fact, rice typically is one of the main carbohydrate foods recommended for an IBS patient, according to Celiac.com. At first, eat only white rice to prevent uncomfortable symptoms. As your body becomes familiar with the white rice, slowly transition to brown rice. If you cannot handle plain rice, try rice cakes, puffed rice, rice cereal or rice noodles.
References
- MayoClinic.com; Irritable Bowel Syndrome; July 2009
- National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinhouse; Irritable Bowel Syndrome; September 2007
- National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinhouse; What I Need to Know about Irritable Bowel Syndrome; May 2007
- FamilyDoctor; Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Tips on Controlling Your Symptoms; October 2010
- Celiac.com; Extract from Nutrition Therapy by Stephen J. Gislason, MD; Scot Addams; July 1996
