Could an Alkaline Diet Help With IBS?

People who live with irritable bowel syndrome often search in vain for diets that will ease their symptoms. The digestive disorder causes gas, cramping, constipation and diarrhea in alternation, and different foods bring out the symptoms in different people. Alkaline diets, which include many fruits and vegetables, may make things better or worse--it all depends on the person's symptoms and the foods that cause the trouble.

High Fiber

• Fruits and vegetables are the centerpiece of the alkaline diets. They are also the best source of dietary fiber, which many people with irritable bowel syndrome use to combat constipation. There's a downside to fiber, however; too much can worsen gas and cramping. Doctors say IBS patients should experiment with fiber, increasing it gradually to find the correct level.

Beverages

• The alkaline diet's beverages are consistent with the needs of many people with IBS. The diet encourages drinking pure water and avoiding caffeine and alcohol, as well as carbonated drinks. Caffeine and alcohol can make diarrhea worse, and carbonated drinks can cause gas. The diet also discourages dairy products, which commonly aggravate IBS symptoms.

Problem Foods

• The alkaline diet includes common "problem foods" for people with IBS. Though IBS varies greatly from person to person, some foods cause problems for just about everybody. These include broccoli, cabbage and cauliflower. All cause gas and all are on the alkaline diet.