IBS or Irritable Bowel Syndrome is a type of gastrointestinal disorder.
The exact cause of irritable bowel syndrome is unknown. It is believed to be due to a number of factors, including alteration in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract motility, abnormal nervous system signals, increased sensitivity to pain, and food intolerances.
Irritable bowel syndrome is characterized mostly by abdominal pain and cramping. Other symptoms and signs include:
• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Increased gas
• Abdominal swelling or bloating
• Abdominal pain or discomfort
• Cramping pain after eating certain foods
• Nausea
• Mucousy or foamy stool
• Unexplained weight loss
• Loss of appetite
While not technically a symptom, nearly 70% of people with IBS also experience indigestion.
What you eat and how you eat can affect symptom of this condition. While it may not be possible to completely prevent IBS symptoms, you may find that certain foods trigger IBS symptoms.
There is no specific diet for IBS, and different people react differently to different foods. It is important for people with IBS to identify foods that trigger their symptoms so they can avoid them. In general, many people with the condition find it helpful to increase dietary fiber, drink plenty of water, avoid soda, and eat smaller meals.
Some foods can help in the prevention of symptoms.
Foods to eat that may provide symptom relief for some people:
• Dietary fiber
• Water
• Low-fat foods
• High-carbohydrate foods (such as whole wheat flour, brown rice, and whole grain breads)
• Probiotics (containing Lactobacillus acidophilus a and Bifidobacterium) and prebiotics
Foods to avoid or limit if you have IBS
• Dairy products, including milk and cheese (Lactose intolerance symptoms can be similar to IBS symptoms.)
• Certain vegetables that increase gas (such as cauliflower, broccoli, cabbage) and legumes (such as beans)
• Fatty or fried foods
• Alcohol, caffeine, or soda
• Foods high in sugars
• Artificial sweeteners
• Chewing gum
• Nuts
