Irritable Bowel Syndrome

The Irritable Bowl Syndrome (IBS) Diet is a diet designed to control symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome.

Principle of Irritable Bowl Syndrome diet

IBS is a disorder that affects the functioning of the colon. Symptoms of the disease include cramps, abdominal pain, bloating, constipation and diarrhea. One in five Americans have IBS. It can cause discomfort and prevent sufferers from daily activities.

The IBS Diet aims to remove foods known to trigger IBS from your diet, and relieve the symptoms of IBS. The IBS Diet advocates eating a high-fiber diet, as high-fiber diets can keep the colon mildly distended and therefore may help with spasms.

What are you allowed to eat on the Irritable Bowl Syndrome Diet?

The following are encouraged on the IBS Diet:

Whole grains – such as wholegrain bread and cereals
Fruit
Vegetables
Legumes – such as potatoes
Mushrooms
Nuts – such as chestnuts
Skinless white meat – such as poultry

You should also drink 6-8 glasses of water daily.

What is forbidden on the Irritable Bowl Syndrome Diet

Nothing is forbidden on the IBS Diet, although the following should be taken in moderation as they can trigger IBS:

Red meat
Dairy products
Coffee
Alcohol
Saturated fats – such as junk food and fast food

While the above foods are triggers for most people, it may not apply for everyone.

Irritable Bowl Syndrome Diet Pros and Cons

The IBS Diet has helped many people manage their symptoms. The IBS Diet has helped many return to a normal lifestyle.

The IBS Diet is balanced and easy to maintain, due to its flexibility. The IBS Diet also recommends healthy dietary and lifestyle changes, which can benefit you as a whole. For instance, the IBS Diet recommends reducing junk food and fast food from your diet – fatty foods that are not beneficial for your heart.

The high-fiber nature of the IBS Diet may initially cause gas and bloating. The discomfort is due to the body adjusting to the sudden increase in fiber. These symptoms tend to disappear within a few weeks, and it is recommended that you slowly increase your fiber intake in order to reduce the severity of discomfort.

The IBS Diet can initially be time-consuming. You are required to maintain a diet journal to note the foods that may cause distress. The list of trigger foods is only a general list of foods that may trigger IBS, but each person can react differently to different food. Some foods not on the list may also trigger your IBS.

Daily and Weekly Plans for treating Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Below is an example meal plan for the IBS Diet:

Breakfast: Cereal with fresh fruit.

Lunch: Wholemeal bread, tinned fish and salad sandwich. Add cheese if dairy products can be tolerated.

Dinner: Lean grilled chicken with lemon juice and pepper, with salad, boiled potatoes and wholemeal bread.