Diet for IBS

Irritable bowel syndrome [IBS] is an intestinal disorder; it causes abdominal pain and discomfort. Most often the problem of IBS is seen in conjunction with either diarrhea or with constipation. Other general symptoms of IBS are bloating, discomfort of fullness in rectum, and mucus clad stool.However, in spite of the prominent symptoms of IBS, doctors till date could not find any discrepancy in digestive system of IBS victims; thus, the reason behind IBS actually is still unknown.  One of the major reasons for IBS complications is sensitivity of intestines; however, the reason behind this extra-sensitivity of intestine is still unknown.

Therefore, diet for IBS is not a supportive diet only because diet plays a major part in IBS treatment. Management of stress and modification of diet according to the age and physical condition, sensitivity of intestine of the patient are main treatment criteria of IBS disorder. Medications are prescribed to treat the bothering symptom of this psycho-physical disease. This is the reason no diet can stand as ideal diet for the problem of IBS symptom.

In case of IBS, the patient starts suffering from either recurring diarrhea or recurring constipation. The diet has to plan according to the symptoms. Those who suffer from diarrhea, they should eliminate diarrhea inducing foods from their diet; those who suffer from constipation should eliminate constipation triggering foods from daily diet plan. The triggering foods have to be recognized by trial and error method by the patient only.

If an IBS patient is suffering from constipation, he/she should take ample natural fiber and plenty of water in diet in order to keep bowel movement normal and regular. Fresh fruits like raspberry, apples, pears, fresh vegetables like Brussels sprouts, peas , wheat bran, beans, and whole grain bread and breakfast cereals are good examples of natural fibers.
Along with diet, regular exercise also proves helpful for controlling the annoying symptoms of IBS problem.

In case an IBS patient is suffering from diarrhea, he/she should eliminate some foods and drinks from his/her diet. It is good to avoid alcohol, caffeine based drinks and beverages, smoking, broccoli, beans type of foods which are flatulence prone, dairy products, processed sweets, chewinggums with artificial sweetener, and high fat based foods etc. in order to control the bout of diarrhea.

However, it is good to plan the IBS diet with the help of dietitian because it is necessary to maintain a balance between nutrition and comfort foods to be at better side of health.