
Foods That Can Help Improve IBS
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a digestive disorder. Stomach pains, diarrhea, constipation, and bloating are the main symptoms associated with IBS. While there is no clear cause of IBS, diagnosis is mainly determined by doctors based on the patient’s symptoms. Extreme cases may require dietary changes and medication to control IBS symptoms.
However, changing one’s diet successfully manages most IBS symptoms. The following list of foods are helpful in the management of IBS
1. Cooked vegetables
Vegetables are high in fiber. They help to reduce instances of constipation and bloating. Cooked vegetables are recommended for the management of IBS symptoms. They are easier to digest as compared to raw vegetables. Raw vegetables may also increase gas in the stomach, leading to bloating. Additionally, these vegetables are suitable for IBS symptom management as they control diarrhea
2. Chicken and fish
Chicken and fish are high in protein. They may be easier to digest for IBS patients compared to plant proteins. This white meat will help to reduce diarrhea, bloating and chronic constipation. These are some of the most typical symptoms of IBS. Thus, it would be best to consider adding these lean meats to your diet to manage IBS symptoms
3. Oats
These are fibrous because they contain highly soluble fiber. On average, it is best for people to eat 20-35 grams of fiber each day. Fiber is essential for the peristalsis process, or the movement of food through the digestive tract so ingestion to egestion is seamless. Also, oats will reduce constipation and bloating, since the movement of food in the gut is enhanced
4. Fruits without skins
Skin fruits are high fiber materials, however, patients with IBS may be sensitive to the high-fiber contents. Eating skinless fruits will also ease the process of digestion. Removing the skins may be done by peeling or pulverizing the fruits. Blended fiber contents of the fruits in smoothies are easier to swallow and digest, and bloating and constipation are minimized. Some fruits such as apples and bananas are categorized as a BRAT diet. They are low in fiber making them suitable for the treatment of diarrhea which is one of the symptoms of IBS
5. Water
Hydration is beneficial for anyone suffering from IBS. This prevents cases of diarrhea-induced dehydration. Thus, IBS patients are unlikely to experience diarrhea if they drink a recommended quantity of clean water every day. Additionally, it improves constipation. Patients suffering from IBS may experience chronic constipation. This can be solved by drinking water as it alters the gastrointestinal (GI) tract’s functioning. The stool is loosened by proper hydration of the GI
Further lifestyle changes may ease IBS symptoms. For instance, regular exercise, limiting stress, and avoiding use of opioid medications, which may cause a narcotic bowel syndrome, dysfunction of the GI tract, and opioid-induced constipation OIC constipation, which can cause or exacerbate IBS symptoms.