Irritable bowel syndrome, or IBS, is a common condition, particularly with women. IBS can be caused by a range of different things, including diet and lifestyle. Symptoms can range from constant abdominal cramps, to issues with constipation and diarrhea. Most of the time, a positive treatment approach for IBS will involve lifestyle changes and medications.
When you learn about the factors that might make the condition worse, such as irritable bowel syndrome diet triggers, you can take steps to avoid them. This way, you can work on making sure that your problems with diarrhea, pain, and constipation are reduced to a minimum. While IBS presents differently for different people, it can help you to keep track of how you respond to specific symptom triggers, and how you can prevent problems.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome Diet Triggers for Constipation:
Certain foods can be responsible for making constipation associated with IBS worse than usual. For example, these foods might include high-protein diets, dairy products, carbonated drinks and coffee, processed foods, and cereals and breads made with refined grains.
If you suffer from IBS, the best way may be to gradually boost your intake of fiber by two or three grams a day until you are eating at least 25 grams a day for women, or 38 grams a day for men. Good sources of fiber will generally include whole-grain cereals and breads, fruits and vegetables. It's also helpful for people with constipation frequently caused by IBS to devote more time to ensuring that they are well-hydrated. Drinking plenty of water every day will help you to feel more comfortable on a regular basis.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome Diet Triggers for Diarrhea:
Just as IBS can cause issues with bowel movements in the form of constipation, it can also have significant issues when it comes to diarrhea. In fact, too much fiber, particularly the insoluble kind that you get from the skins of vegetables and fruits can worsen this condition. Other dietary triggers that can cause diarrhea in people with IBS might include:
– Drinks and food including fructose, sorbitol, alcohol and chocolate
– Carbonated drinks
– Large meals
– Fatty and fried foods
– Dairy products
– Foods with wheat
If you regularly suffer from diarrhea or loose stool as part of your IBS experience, then it may be a good idea to think carefully about your dietary choices in the future. For instance, you should consider eating more soluble fiber that will help to add bulk to your stools. Good sources for soluble fiber include oats, breads, brown rice, and the flesh of fruit. Many experts also advise staying away from meals that contain a lot of foods at opposite temperatures. For example, it's a good idea to stay away from drinking cold water and hot soup during the same meal. You should also eat smaller portions to help your body digest food properly.
Many people with IBS find that drinking water about an hour after or before their meals will help them to avoid diarrhea issues. It's important to speak to your doctor if you think that anything specific may be contributing to your diet problems.