Irritable Bowel Syndrome Diet

The Irritable Bowel Syndrome diet makes a world of difference for those suffering from the condition. It makes a difference from living an active care-free life to being stuck in your room whole day suffering from it. Irritable Bowel Syndrome or IBS is more common than we think. The most common symptom is abdominal pain and cramp after meals which results in diarrhea, constipation or bloating. The duration of the symptoms should be at least 90 days before IBS diagnosis could be done.

Recommended Irritable Bowel Syndrome Diet:

1. Meals should be eaten frequently in small amount
2. Drink 8-10 glasses of fluid daily
3. Include plenty of fiber in your diet.
4. To decrease contractions of the intestines after eating, have a low fat diet
5. Reduce the intake of caffeine, alcohol and sorbitol because these may worsen the symptoms
6. Avoid foods that produce gas such as cabbage-family vegetables which include broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, brussels and sprouts. Other foods that produce gas are dried peas and lentils, onions and chives, peppers and carbonated drinks
7. Take peppermint since it has a natural anti-spasmodic property which relaxes the intestinal muscles.
8. Multi-vitamin mineral supplement taken daily can be prescribed by a doctor or registered dietician.
9. When there is a flare up, follow a low fiber diet instead of a high fiber one.
10. If you have lactose intolerance, don’t take foods containing dairy.
11. Even if there is a flare up of IBS, it is very important to continue to nourish your body by eating small frequent meals. An irregular bowel syndrome diet which contains lean meats, fish and eggs may reduce the symptoms. Pre-digested nutritional drinks or elemental diet can be given to rest the bowel and replenish lost nutrients thus helping the body recover itself.
12. A vitamin B12 injection may be needed if the ileum which is a part of the small intestines has been resected.