There
is no one-size fits all miracle remedy for IBS, but its symptoms can be
alleviated by a change in diet. IBS sufferers may find that certain foods act
as triggers that can cause their IBS symptoms to worsen. The trigger foods may
vary from person to person.
In
order for people to recognise which food products are aggravating their IBS
symptoms they should keep a food-diary, where they keep a record of what and
when they have eaten and drank throughout the day. They should also record what
symptoms they experience and when these symptoms occur in relation to their
previous meal.
The
types of food that commonly cause IBS symptoms to become worse are those that
are high in fat such as deep-fried foods; dairy products such as milk, cheese
and yogurt; alcohol; chocolate, and caffeinated beverages such as coffee and
certain fizzy drinks. Should these food types aggravate IBS symptoms, people
should reduce their intake or refrain from consuming them.
On
the plus side, there are foods which can help alleviate IBS symptoms. The best
types of food are those that are high in fiber. Fiber is especially good for
tackling IBS related constipation, as it makes the stool bulkier and softer and
therefore easier to pass. Food types that are rich in fiber include bran,
whole-meal bread, whole-grain cereals, beans, vegetables and fruits.
If
a person’s diet is low in high fibre foods they would be advised to add such
foods to their diet gradually, enabling their body to adapt to the dietary
changes. Too much fiber might actually worsen some IBS symptoms.
In
addition to increasing the amount of fiber eaten, a doctor may prescribe fiber
pills, or a high fiber powder that can be taken mixed with water.
As
well as the types of food eaten, the overall amount of food should also be
considered. Abdominal pain and cramping may be triggered by large meals. If
this happens, patients should reduce their meal size and instead eat 4 or 5
smaller meals instead. Not everybody will be able to schedule 4 or more meals a
day, and if sticking to 3 meals a day the general advice would be to eat less
fatty food and more food high in fiber at each meal.
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