stomach pain

Common Diet for Irritable Bowel Syndrome

The most common diet for irritable bowel syndrome is a high-fiber diet. While there are still a positive recommendation for many patients, especially for those who are suffering from constipation as such some patients will not benefit from an increase in dietary fiber, even worsen in some symptoms. With any change in diet, increase of fiber should be slow and involves an array of fibers and a sufficient intake of fluid for a minimum of 1.5 liters each day.

Of course, major sources of this fluid should be water. Diluting juices or tea may be fit for some patients. Caffeinated drinks like coffee should be limited especially in the initial extent of dietary modification.

In order to follow the common diet for irritable bowel syndrome, the patient must follow a typical meal plan. This meal plan must have 25 – 30 grams of fiber from an array of sources and 30 – 35 grams of fat based on the quantity of added margarine, fat content of dairy foods, and oil. Here is an example of a meal plan following a diet for irritable bowel syndrome:

  • Breakfast – Weet-bix or porridge with fresh or tinned fruit and reduced of fat milk or a calcium fortified soy milk or grain toast with little margarine and honey, a bowl of high fiber cereal. Tea
  • Lunch – Fresh fruit with low fat yoghurt, lean beef, vegetable salad, sandwiches with low fat cheese, tinned fish. Water or diluted juice
  • Main Meal – Grilled chicken with lemon juice and pepper, potato salad, whole meal bread. Water
  • Snacks – Low fat yoghurt, fresh fruit, crackers. Water or tea.

Keeping a food and fluid diary can help you observe the role of the common diet for irritable bowel syndrome and other factors like stress in symptoms. Remember to maintain a high fiber diet, as long as it is needed. It would be easier if you start with the basics of three low fat, high fiber meals and have 2 – 3 snacks per day. In addition you must also maintain an adequate fluid or water intake. Keep in mind that intake of drinks with caffeine is prohibited, meaning, you should avoid drinking it while you are on a diet for irritable bowel syndrome.