Irritable bowel syndrome, also known as IBS, is a condition characterized by the digestive tract functioning abnormally. Symptoms of IBS include bloating, cramping, stomach pain, gas and radical changes in bowel movement habits. Some IBS patients have the tendency to become constipated while others lean more towards diarrhea. Some IBS patients experience both. If you are an IBS patient, it is recommended that you include fiber in your diet to help reduce your IBS symptoms.
The Benefits of Fiber
Fiber helps stabilize the colon, which in turn helps reduce IBS symptoms. In addition, fiber improves the bulkiness of the stool so that the body can move and expel it more smoothly and with less pain. This is especially invaluable to IBS patients whose condition is more constipation-dominant. Doctors recommend IBS patients to maintain a diet that is low in fat and includes 20 to 35 grams of fiber daily.
Fiber is mostly found in whole-grain breads, bran, oats, cereals, fruits, vegetables, peas and legumes. When you start including fiber in your diet, it is important that you do this gradually and let your body adjust to the presence of fiber in your meals. Otherwise, too much too soon will trigger IBS symptoms. In addition, always read food labels when buying ready-to-eat food items that are supposed to have fiber. Make sure that your cereals and breads are whole-wheat or whole-grain and have at least five grams of fiber per serving.
When to Avoid Fiber
Because the nature of IBS is not constant, there are patients who react negatively to fiber-rich foods. These patients typically have diarrhea-dominant IBS. Fiber can loosen stools, which is not helpful for patients suffering from constant diarrhea.
If that is your case, a diet that is low in fiber and low in residue may help you out. You can substitute food types or perhaps adjust the temperature of your food before you eat it so as not to trigger your diarrhea. Diet plans for diarrhea-dominant IBS is sometimes a hit-and-miss project, so it is important to consult your doctor before you try out something new to eat.
Other Food Tips for IBS Patients
Here are other food tips that IBS patients may find beneficial in controlling their symptoms:
1. Use over-the-counter anti-gas pills if you are experiencing gas pain that you cannot tolerate.
2. Take multivitamin and mineral supplements. These supplements may help you control your IBS symptoms. However, consult your doctor first before starting any supplemental regimen.
3. Drink a lot of fluids. It is best to drink eight glasses of liquid every day. You can drink water, juice or decaffeinated drinks.
4. Keep a food journal. After every meal, make note of what you just ate in your journal and how it affected you. This will make you more aware of which foods you should consume and which you should avoid.
5. Instead of eating three regular meals a day, you should try out having several small meals in a day. This will reduce the stress in your digestive tract.
6. When you eat, eat your food slowly and enjoy your meal. Eating your food more slowly will make your food more broken down and easier to digest when it comes to your stomach. Enjoying your meal also makes your stomach more relaxed.
7. Avoid consuming caffeine and alcohol. Caffeine and alcohol can cause diarrhea.