Help for IBS

Can Dietary Changes Help Reduce IBS Symptoms?

Adopting new eating habits can make a difference for some people with IBS. It is important to ask your doctor or dietician for help with this. Before making changes in your diet, keep a journal to note which foods cause problems for you. If you find that dairy products make your symptoms worse, you can try reducing them. However, if you need to reduce or avoid dairy products make sure you get enough calcium and other nutrients from other sources.

Yogurt that contains friendly bacteria may be easier to tolerate than other dairy products because these bacteria provide the enzymes needed for digestion of lactose.

Adding Fiber

For some people, slowly adding dietary fiber may lessen IBS symptoms, especially constipation. Fiber works to keep water in the stool, preventing hard, difficult to pass stools.

However, increased fiber may not help with diarrhea or in reducing abdominal pain. High-fiber diets may cause gas and bloating, although these symptoms often go away within a few weeks. A gradual increase in fiber intake (2 to 3 grams per day) will help reduce the risk of increased gas and bloating.

Good sources of fiber include fruits and vegetables and whole grain breads and cereals.

Drink Plenty of Water

Drinking enough plain water each day, six to eight glasses, is important. This is even more critical if you have diarrhea. Carbonated beverages such as sodas may cause gas and discomfort. Limit your intake of caffeine and alcohol, which can stimulate the intestine.

Eat More Slowly

Try to have relaxed meals and chew your food thoroughly. This allows your system to produce the digestive "juices" needed to digest properly. Eating too fast can also lead to swallowing air, which causes gas discomfort.

Limit Meal Size and Fat

Eating smaller meals more often or having smaller portions can reduce the cramping and diarrhea caused by eating large, heavy meals. Choosing foods that are low in fat and high in carbohydrates may also help reduce symptoms.