IRRITABLE BOWEL SYNDROME

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a gastrointestinal disorder which affects the large intestine or colon. Considering its growing occurrence, it is important to know some important aspects of the diet.

Dietary management in IBS

IBS management is possible by introducing dietary changes like eliminating or reducing certain carbohydrates (collectively called FODMAPs), gluten, some vegetables (like broccoli and cabbage), carbonated beverages, dairy products and fats. Fiber and water intake must be increased.

1.  Avoid eating spicy foods: Spicy foods are likely to irritate sensitive bowel and worsen the case for people suffering from diarrhea as a symptom of IBS.

2. Reduce the intake of tea, coffee: Caffeinated beverages like tea and coffee can trigger IBS attack. As per NICE guidelines, a person suffering from IBS should restrict caffeinated beverages to 3 cups per day.

3. Avoid eating fatty foods: Processed foods like peanut butter, fries, margarine, salad dressing and doughnuts contain hydrogenated fats which are bad for you if suffer from diarrhea. They not only worsen IBS symptoms but are also bad for your overall health.

  

4. Adjust fibre intake: According to the National Institute of Health and Excellence (NICE) clinical guidelines, fibre intake for people with IBS should be adjusted according to the symptoms and its effects. Reduce fibre intake if you suffer from bloating and flatulence as it may worsen your condition. If you have constipation and wish to increase your fibre intake you should do it gradually as sudden drastic change in dietary habits may make symptoms worse.

5. Control portion size: Instead of having larger meals at one time, divide it into smaller meals over the day

6. Consider having probiotics: Recent research suggests that IBS IS linked to alterations in the microbial population present in the intestine. Most people develop IBS after suffering from an infection that disrupts the balance of healthy microbes present in the intestine. Therefore, probiotics like fermented milk products, yogurt or even probiotic supplements are likely to help people suffering from IBS…. 

The following foods have been identified as being high in FODMAPs (fermentable oligo di mono and poly saccharides)