Diet For Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Following a diet for irritable bowel syndrome (also known as IBS) can greatly reduce the symptoms of this condition. If you want to modify your diet for IBS, make changes gradually. Any major changes should be discussed with your doctor or with a nutritionist before beginning.
Many foods are either stimulating or irritating to the bowel. These foods can cause the gas, bloating, cramping, diarrhea and/or constipation that characterize irritable bowel syndrome. That's why sticking to a diet for irritable bowel syndrome can be so helpful.
Now let's look at some diet sheets for IBS.
The diet for IBS works to prevent the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. Foods that are irritating or stimulating to the bowel are best avoided, while foods that help the bowel function better should be eaten regularly.
The following foods can cause symptoms of IBS to flare-up and should be avoided on a diet for irritable bowel syndrome:
Not everyone with IBS has problems with all of these foods. To find out what foods cause your IBS to flare up, keep a food diary. Whenever you have problems, make a list of what you ate last. This will enable you to create your own diet sheets for IBS, a personal list of what you should and should not eat.
A diet for IBS doesn't mean you can't eat foods that you like. It just means you have to pay attention to what you eat and to what foods trigger your condition.
What foods should you eat on a diet for IBS?
Eat foods high in fiber, such as:
However, you should increase your fiber intake gradually, otherwise too much fiber all of a sudden can cause gassiness.
Drink plenty of water. This will help prevent constipation. If you have diarrhea, you need to drink a lot of water so you don't become dehydrated. Try for eight glasses per day.
Also important when on a diet for IBS, is to eat smaller meals, which may reduce or prevent bloating. Don't eat too quickly, as this may cause you to swallow more air, which will increase gassiness.
Treatment for ibs consists of several things. First there is the diet for irritable bowel syndrome, discussed earlier. The diet for IBS works as a preventative measure, but it can also relieve symptoms when they do occur.
Stress management and relaxation techniques can also be helpful, since stress is a contributor to IBS flare-ups. For some people, seeing a counselor or psychologist is helpful, since it reduces stress.
Regular exercise such as walking helps the bowel function better and can also relieve stress.
Then there is medication. Stool softeners are often prescribed to prevent and treat constipation, while anti-spasmodic drugs are used to reduce cramping and treat diarrhea. Anti-depressants can also relieve some symptoms. However, the anti-spasmodic and anti-depressant drugs can cause constipation, and they have other side effects as well.
Over-the-counter medications may be useful, but should be used only with a doctor's advice. Some over-the-counter medications like laxatives can be habit forming and are not safe for long-term use.
Many people prefer to use natural treatments in order to avoid the side effects and problems of traditional medication. There are a number of natural treatments available that, combined with a diet for irritable bowel syndrome, can prevent and relieve symptoms of IBS. Natural products often have other health benefits, as well.
See a doctor if you have symptoms of IBS, like gas, bloating, cramping, constipation and/or diarrhea for a period of several weeks, or sooner if symptoms are severe. Ask your doctor about a diet for irritable bowel syndrome.
Note that blood in the stool is not a symptom of IBS and if you have that, you should see a doctor right away.
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