Dietary Advice for Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) can be as painful as it is inconvenient, but with informed diet decisions you can gain positive results and improve your health. There is no cure for IBS, but medical treatment and careful attention to what--and when--you eat can make it easier to live with. Consider the following advice for a diet that supports bowel health and learn to prevent flare-ups of Irritable Bowel Syndrome.

General Dietary Suggestions

• Reduce constipation and/or diarrhea and other symptoms associated with Irritable Bowel Syndrome by increasing your consumption of non-animal protein, fiber, minerals and trace elements.

  Eat frequent small meals in order to lessen the burden on your digestive system and bowels. Large, heavy meals are more likely to upset the bowels and cause cramping.

  Chew your foods thoroughly and eat slowly. Give your body the full benefit of the foods you ingest by allowing the digestive process to begin in the mouth through proper chewing.

  Drink plenty of water throughout the day and avoid eating meals near bedtime.

Food Choices

• Your diet should include plenty of fiber--including supplemental fiber--to regulate bowel function.

  Eat fruits, vegetables and whole grain foods, but be careful to eliminate any that cause gas or bloating.

  Eat a low-fat diet whenever possible.

  Include grains such as quinoa, brown rice, oats, millet, barley or wheat, unless food allergies are present.

Culprits

• Eliminate alcohol, caffeine and tobacco from your diet, as these are known irritants to the digestive system.

  Reduce or eliminate your consumption of regular dairy milk, butter and cheeses. Dairy can be difficult to digest, and encourages the secretion of mucus in the body (which prevents the absorption of nutrients).

  Steer clear of carbonated beverages, and any foods which cause a build-up of gas or bloating in the digestive tract.

  Avoid fried foods.

Supplements

• Drink peppermint tea, or take peppermint supplements (enteric-coated forms are best) to soothe the digestive tract during a flare-up.

  Keep chamomile tea and ginger chews on hand for quick relief.

  Take supplemental fiber if you are not getting enough fiber through your diet.

  Probiotics, such as in fortified yogurts or probiotic supplements, may help reduce gas and bloating and support the digestive process.

  Consult your physician or health care provider for a personal treatment plan and to determine whether these suggestions are right for you. This article is not intended to diagnose or treat disease.