Diets for those with Irritable Bowel Syndrome ( IBS )

Many people have suffered from a Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) which is a bowel disorder that 15% of Americans have and is incurable. IBS can present symptoms such as mild to sever abdominal pain, discomfort and bloating that can be brought on by infections or stress but as of how it’s exactly caused still is unknown. There is a theory that IBS is a disorder caused by interaction between the brain and gastrointestinal tract.

But for many people suffering from IBS, some have dealt with the pains through dieting. Typically it is believed that people who have symptoms of IBS should stop eating foods that are high in fat, foods that contain insoluble fiber and beverages that may have a lot of caffeine, coffee or alcohol.

Eating Soluble Fiber and Balancing it with Insoluble Fiber Foods


For those who have IBS, many physicians recommend having soluble fiber in the diet. The truth is that not many people eat enough fiber in their diet.

Soluble fiber is known to bind with fatty acids in the body and stays in the body much longer and absorbs sugar much slowly. Soluble fiber is also known to lower LDL cholesterol and regulate blood sugar. Soluble sources of fiber include oat, bran, nuts, oranges and apples, carrots, psyllium husk.

Insoluble fiber is important because it helps promote regular bowel movement and known to remove the waste in the colon. Sources of insoluble fiber are vegetables such as beans or green, leafy vegetables. Also, whole wheat products, seeds and nuts and foods.

Both are good for you but what you want to do is mix and match both soluble and insoluble fiber, not just eat insoluble fibers only. A popular example are a lot of the healthy cereals that contain wheat, oatmeal/oats and almonds on the market. For those with IBS, you do not want to eat solely insoluble foods if they will cause you abdominal pain.

So, the key thing to remember is include fruits and vegetables into your diet and also whole wheat grains and you will be fine but at least eat 75% of insoluble fiber and 25% of soluble fiber.

Other Tips in Controlling IBS

Along with eating soluble fiber and insoluble fiber-based foods, people with IBS should drink more water but avoiding foods that are high in fat. Also, instead of eating three full meals, have four to six equal small meals throughout the day.

Also, because stress does cause IBS for many people, try to find ways to controlling the stress. May it be going to the gym and working out, yoga, meditation, reading a book or something that will help you get your mind off things.

Medications for IBS

There are medications available to help stop the pain from cramping such as Hyoscyamine or Dicyclomine which helps relax the colon. For diarrhea, some people cam take Imodium to help relieve the problem. But some people who insist in not taking medication feel better with taking hot baths to relieve the pain.

IBS can be a painful situation but it can be controlled. Definitely contact your physician if you think you have similar symptoms as others who have IBS.

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