Best Tips To Help IBS With Constipation

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) tends to cause either diarrhea or constipation often denoted by IBS-D and IBS-C. There is a third classification that is also used which is IBS-A, which means that the symptoms alternate between diarrhea and constipation. This article will look at IBS with constipation and discuss tips to help with the condition.

Essentially constipation is when the passage of waste through a person's intestine slows down, leading to dry and hard stools that they struggle to eliminate. IBS with constipation can cause a lot of discomfort and can lead to long periods of time sitting on the toilet straining (which can also have a knock on effect and cause other conditions like haemorrhoids)

IBS with constipation may be caused by a response to certain "trigger" foods. In order to reduce or eliminate them, you need to try and avoid these foods, and eat instead foods that can help you lessen the chance of constipation to occurring.

Sometimes it is not obvious what is causing the IBS, and this is why I recommend that people with IBS always keep a food diary. This will keep a record of the food eaten at each sitting, any snacks, the amount of food, the time of the day the food was eaten, and whether the meal was relaxed or rushed along with what symptoms are being experienced.

This information will over time help to identify the foods that cause the constipation.

If the elimination of your waste material is too slow, it is likely to mean that that too much water has been absorbed by the body, causing you to be constipated. It could also mean that the diet lacks the foods required to make the stool bulky but soft.

As mentioned, certain diets and eating habits can be the cause for disrupting the normal function of the intestines. In order to help decrease the time for your food to move through your intestine, a change in your diet may just be what you need.

Eating foods that are high in fiber is a great way to avoid or reduce constipation. Eating fiber-rich diet can help reduce the chances of constipation by softening the stool.

This makes it easier for your stomach contents to pass through your intestine at a quicker pace. You should increase dietary fiber slowly over a few weeks, so that your digestive system can cope with the change. Good sources of fiber include fruits, vegetables, cereals and whole-wheat bread, as well as beans.

Both insoluble and soluble fiber is important. Insoluble fiber helps to bulk and soften the stool, and soluble fiber will help with the passage of the stool carrying more gel/ liquid along with the waste matter and help soothe the intestines.

Also, increase the volume of pure water consumed. There is no substitute for pure, fresh water when it comes to helping the body eliminate waste. 8 - 10 8oz cups should be enough each day, but add more if there are foods that act as diuretics in your diet, or if you live in a hot climate or if you exercise.

Try to avoid alcoholic drinks, coffee and carbonated beverages since these may impact on the elimination process. Avoiding Caffeine, which is an ingredient in coffee and caffeinated colas can also potentially help reduce constipation.

A change in your diet can help alleviate IBS with constipation. If you want to find out more about how you can naturally relieve IBS then sign up for our free newsletter below.