IBS Diet

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) has no cure; the goal for a person suffering from IBS is to live a comfortable life. Only through diet can the constant flare ups be managed. IBS does not lead to more serious conditions, though without a proper diet in place it can lead to a life of discomfort and pain.

What types of diets are there for IBS?
Diets for IBS will differ from person to person but a general diet can still be followed and used as a launch point. You will need to determine what category you fit into and what your problem foods are. You can then alter your diet to fit your individual needs. General IBS diets can be broken down into two main categories.

IBS-C
This category is for people who suffer from irritable bowel syndrome with constipation symptoms. These individuals need soluble fibers to help soften stools and encourage bowel movements. For individuals with IBS-C bowel movements are what will ultimately provide relief.

IBS-D
IBS-D or irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea symptoms will require a diet that features foods that will not upset the stomach and produce solid stools. The BRAT diet (Bananas, rice, applesauce and toast) is a good starting point for these people.

How should fiber be used?
Fiber is the most important component to any IBS diet. Symptoms can be relieved when an individual moves his or her bowels. Therefore foods high in soluble fiber are recommended. Fiber does help with digestion, but it can also make gas and cramps worse. Therefore you should gradually increase your fiber intake over a period of weeks. Using a fiber supplement will not produce as much gas or bloating. Remember to always drink lots of water when taking a fiber supplement.

Make sure to eat soluble fiber as the first meal of the day, or whenever your stomach is empty. Soluble fiber should make up the largest component of every meal and snack. Many people are told to eat wheat bran or raw vegetables which often further irritate symptoms. Insoluble fibers, such as bran, have no proven effect on IBS. In fact in some cases insoluble fiber has been shown to aggravate symptoms. If you must eat insoluble fibers cook, chop, or puree them to make them more tolerable.

Foods to avoid
Many people try and pinpoint one specific food that and then eliminate that food from their diet. The truth is it tends to be groups of food that cause IBS symptoms to flair up. Foods that are high in fat, insoluble fiber, caffeine, alcohol or beverages with high carbonation tend to aggravate IBS symptoms.

These are not the only problem foods however. Each individual will discover different foods that irritate their bowels. Finding your problem foods can be as simple as listening to your body. If certain foods aggravate your symptoms then just don't eat them.

Keep a journal
Keeping a journal is a good way of charting your symptoms and cross-referencing them with the food ingested that day. After a couple of months of tracking your symptoms you will begin to discover which foods give you problems. Be sure to make a note of how you feel that day and what foods you have ingested.

When should you start and end an IBS diet?
If you suffer from IBS and have not already begun a diet specifically designed to treat it then you should do so immediately. Diet is the only known treatment for this disorder; avoiding the uncomfortable symptoms without watching what you eat is not possible.

It is very important to follow a special diet at all times if you suffer from IBS. Symptoms can come back quickly and the yeast in your system that contributes to IBS will begin to grow back when the wrong foods are introduced to your digestive tract. When making dietary changes to help with IBS, symptoms may not be relieved immediately. You are looking for long term solutions and your body will take some time to adjust.

How can you plan an IBS diet?
First, determine exactly what symptoms you have been dealing with. If you are constipated then you should follow diets that correspond with that element of IBS. Alternatively if you suffer from diarrhea when your symptoms are flaring up then follow diets that deal with that ailment. Take a look at the diets listed in books and online. After you have chosen one begin to alter it based on your tastes and how your body feels. Your body works better on a schedule, which is why eating at the same time everyday and not missing meals will help in regulating bowel movements.

What is the difference between IBS, lactose intolerance and food allergies?
The major difference between allergies and intolerances is that allergies trigger a chemical response in the body, while intolerance is a result of a person's inability to digest certain foods.

Because the symptoms of lactose intolerance closely mirror the symptoms of IBS the two can often be confused for one another. Dairy is a problem food for people with IBS and it is common to suffer from both. Consuming dairy in smaller amounts can help eliminate symptoms, but in some cases it may be necessary to cut dairy out of your diet completely. If this is the case use soy or rice replacements for dairy.

What else can you do?
Exercise can stimulate contractions in your intestines and aid in natural digestion. It is also believed that stress can aggravate the symptoms of IBS, so stress relieving activities such as yoga and controlled breathing may go a long way in accomplishing the goals of an IBS specific diet.