IBS Diet

The main idea beside IBS diet is to avoid foods that trigger or stimulate the colon (through the gastrocolic reflex that happens when food enters the stomach) and at the same time eat foods that soothe as well as regulate IBS which will relieve and prevent constipation and diarrhea as well as the symptoms associated with IBS.

It should be noted that the most difficult foods for the body to digest are fats and other animal products, because of this; these group of foods triggers IBS the most and these should be strictly limited or more preferably be eliminated altogether in ones diet.

Other foods which are identified by many sufferers to trigger their IBS problem include: wheat and/or gluten (gluten is found in wheat, oats, barley and rye), citrus fruits, bran, coffee and foods containing artificial sweeteners such as aspartame or sorbitol

However, the food mentioned above are by no means a comprehensive list, and unfortunately every IBS sufferer will have to spend time working to find out which foods give them the most problems by going on an exclusion diet where certain foods or groups of foods are excluded from the diet for a short period of time. Then it is noted which foods are eaten alongside any IBS symptoms that were experienced, and then cut out a different food and repeat the process. If the only factor that has changed is the food that was eaten, and the symptoms change dramatically, then there is a good probability that food is causing the change.

On the other hand, foods rich in fiber can be helpful because it improves the way the intestines work by making the stools softer so that it can pass out of the body more easily. Foods that are excellent sources of fiber includes: barley, black beans, bran cereal, brown rice, dry fruits, flaxseed meal, fresh fruit with skins, fresh vegetables, garbanzo beans, kidney beans, lentils, lima beans, navy beans, nuts, oats, raisins, soybeans, split peas, whole grains, including breads and cereals, yams.

As the fiber intake in the diet is increased, it is also important to drink more liquids, aim for at least 6 to 8 glasses of water per day. In the same way, Probiotics, like the healthy bacteria found in yogurt or in probiotic supplements, may also help decrease the symptoms of IBS.

Understanding IBS Diet Recommended Resources:

A Guide to Controlling Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Cornell University