Diets for Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Irritable bowel syndrome is a common problem with the intestines. Functional disorder means there is a problem with the function of a part of the body, but there is no abnormality in the structure. This disorder most commonly affects people between the ages of 20 and 30 and is twice as common in women as in men. The syndrome can be divided into four types depending on which is the main symptom - abdominal pain, diarrhoea, constipation or diarrhoea alternating with constipation. Up to 1 in 5 people in the UK develop IBS at some stage in their life. IBS can affect anyone at any age, but it commonly first develops in young adults and teenagers.

Women are affected more often than men. IBS is very common and is present in perhaps 60% of patients that see a specialist in gastroenterology. There are a number of dietary changes a person with IBS can make to prevent the over response of the gastrocolic reflex. A bowl of high fibre cereal such as untoasted muesli, weetbix or porridge with fresh or tinned fruit and reduced fat milk or a calcium fortified soy milk and/ or wholemeal or grain toast with minimal margarine and honey or vegemite. A low fat diet will also help to decrease contractions of the intestines right after meals.

Peppermint oil is widely used for irritable bowel syndrome. It is thought to decrease the abdominal pain and bloating of irritable bowel syndrome, possibly by blocking the movement of calcium into muscle cells in the intestines. Partially hydrolyzed guar gum (PHGG) is a water soluble, non-gelling fiber that may help to reduce constipation and to a lesser extent diarrhea and abdominal pain in people with irritable bowel syndrome. Caffeinated drinks such as coffee, and carbonated soft drinks can aggravate symptoms and should be limited, especially in the initial stages of dietary modification.

Yogurt to your diet may help ease symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. Keep a daily diary of what you eat and whether you experience symptoms after eating. Eat slowly and have meals in a quiet, relaxing environment. One should drink a spoonful of olive oil formerly in the dawn and another at night. Other laxatives such Epsom salts can too be advantageous. One can too go psyllium stalk milkshake but should come it upward with probiotics. One should too consume lecithin as a supplementation. Other unconventional diet charts can too be advantageous. One can drink a really hot cup of water, which in twist induces the intestine campaign in the dawn.