What Is Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)?
A chronic disorder of the large and small intestines, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) affects the large and small intestines.
Approximately 5 to 20% of the population in Western countries suffer from IBS, particularly women. IBS is a chronic abdominal condition caused by a hypersensitive intestinal wall or a disrupted intestinal movement. Diarrhoea or constipation are common symptoms.
Is There a Treatment for IBS?
Despite Western medicine's treatments for IBS, there is no cure (yet). Some medications are prescribed to relieve pain or improve bowel movements. The use of hypnotherapy or pelvic physiotherapy may be beneficial for some patients.
What Is an IBS Diet?
The role of nutrition in reducing IBS symptoms cannot be overstated. Patients with IBS have long associated certain foods with exacerbating their symptoms. The diagnosis of IBS is logical since it is an intestinal disorder. An IBS diet is an excellent place to start when minimising IBS symptoms.
Which Foods Make IBS Worse?
We eat a lot of unhealthy foods. For instance, ready-made meals, genetically modified foods, or products containing colourants, flavourings, harmful fats, or sugars. All kinds of gastrointestinal problems, such as IBS, can be caused by these foods.
What Foods May Exacerbate The Symptoms Of IBS?
- Sugar and unrefined grains tend to aggravate IBS symptoms. Patients with IBS have trouble digesting sugar and starch.
- It is also known that cabbage, onion, bell pepper, legumes, dairy products, carbonated drinks, coffee, and citrus fruits can cause or worsen IBS symptoms.
Foods to Avoid and IBS-Friendly Alternatives
| Avoid These Foods | IBS-Friendly Alternatives |
|---|---|
| Dairy (milk, cheese) | Lactose-free milk, kefir |
| Onions, garlic | Chives, garlic-infused oil |
| Legumes (beans, lentils) | Tofu, canned lentils (rinsed) |
| Apples, pears, watermelon | Banana, kiwi, grapes |
| Wheat, rye (in large amounts) | Gluten-free oats, rice |
| Carbonated drinks, alcohol | Herbal teas, water with lemon |
What Are IBS-Friendly Foods and Drinks?
- An IBS diet plan often includes fresh vegetables, fish, chicken, meat, and healthy fats.
- Add extra soluble fibre to yoghurt, soup, or puree to improve intestinal function. There is also evidence that probiotics are beneficial.
- Drinking plenty of water, at least 1.5 to 2 litres a day, is also essential.
IBS symptoms can be significantly reduced by following an IBS diet and avoiding irritants.
What Is a Low-FODMAP Diet for IBS?
Low-FODMAP diets may be familiar to you. IBS symptoms can be managed with this diet. It has been proven to help 75% of people with IBS better manage their symptoms. Food molecules called FODMAPs can cause IBS symptoms like abdominal pain, flatulence, diarrhoea, and bloating. Some people have difficulty absorbing these molecules in the small intestine or are unable to absorb them. Many FODMAP foods feed gut bacteria, resulting in increased gas production in the large intestine. It triggers IBS symptoms.
You must eliminate certain trigger foods for several weeks to follow a low-FODMAP diet. In 75% of cases, this reduces the number of FODMAPs in the intestines, reducing the symptoms of IBS. The foods are reintroduced after six to eight weeks to determine which foods or components are sensitive. The diet must be strictly followed. Many products contain FODMAPs, so following this diet can be challenging. Therefore, it is recommended that you start a low-FODMAP diet under the guidance of a specialised dietician.
Smoothie Ideas for IBS Relief
Fruits such as strawberries and blackberries are high in fructose, which can cause IBS symptoms. Therefore, it is best to stay away from these fruits. What is the best way to consume enough fruit daily? Making healthy smoothies with ingredients you tolerate is the answer. Making smoothies with ingredients that don't cause complaints is a good place to start.
Here are some examples:
- Smoothie with apricots, yoghurt, and coconut milk.
- You can also make a smoothie with Cantaloupe melon, spinach, parsley, and kefir milk.
You should limit your smoothie to three or four ingredients. You can add one new ingredient at a time if your body tolerates it.
How Mobi Doctor Can Support Your IBS Diet
You can get online help at Mobi Doctor. Learn which foods you are sensitive to and which you can digest easily. Get all the vitamins and minerals you require from your diet by varying it as much as possible. Irritable bowel syndrome can be diagnosed with the IBS test. A dietician can advise on IBS diets and other aspects of nutrition and lifestyle if you need help figuring out what to eat (and what not to eat).
Mobi Doctor is a virtual clinic that provides online consultations and 24/7 support for people with health problems. You can talk to our experts about any health problem, whether an infection, an injury, or a mental health issue. We offer tailored advice and support from our team of doctors and experts.
