Dietary Solutions For Irritable Bowel Syndrome

By: on May 26th, 2017 in

DIETARY SOLUTIONS FOR IRRITABLE BOWEL SYNDROME:

Digestive disorders are among the most common problems in health care. Approximately 30% to 40% of adults claim to have frequent indigestion. Dietary habits and specific food types can play a significant role in the onset, treatment and prevention of many GI disorders. In many cases, diet can also play a role in improving patient’s sense of well being.

One such important digestive disorder is named as Irritable Bowel Syndrome!

What is irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)?

IBS is  a common problem with the intestine! In people with IBS, the intestine squeezes too hard or not hard enough and cause food to move too quickly or too slowly through the intestines.IBS is also called functional bowel syndrome, irritable colon, spastic bowel and spastic colon!

What are the symptoms of IBS?

  • Altering diarrhea and constipation
  • Abdominal pain and bloating
  • Perception of excessive flatulence
  • Sensation of incomplete evacuation
  • Rectal pain and mucus in the stool may also occur.

Symptoms may get worse,

  • When a person is under stress such as attending social events or changes in the daily routine etc.
  • When a person does not get enough healthy food or has take a big meal.
  • Women may notice more frequent symptoms during their menstrual periods.

Why is it possible! What are the reasons??

In addition to stress and dietary patterns, factors which worsen symptoms are

  • Excess use of laxatives
  • Antibiotics
  • Caffeine intake in excess
  • Previous gastro-intestinal illness
  • Lack of regularity in sleep, rest and fluid intake.
  • In patients with a strong family history of allergy, hypersensitivity to certain foods may be the cause of irritable bowel syndrome.

Does stress cause IBS?

Emotional stress will not cause a person to develop IBS, but if one already have IBS, stress can trigger symptoms. How is IBS can be treated?

The best way to handle IBS is to eat a healthy diet ,avoid foods that make you feel worse.”Find way to handle your stress!”

Treatment?

There is no cure for IBS. But medicines may help you manage or lesser the symptoms. Medicines may be given to reduce cramping. Hot bath can be comforting. When diarrhea is a frequent problem, medicine may help! Sometimes sedatives for short periods are prescribed.

The best dietary tips to get rid of this disease :

  • The most important think is despite of having this disease you should make sure that you are eating well and taking food normally. This is the main aim of any nutritional care, it is to ensure adequate nutrient intake, to guide the patients towards a diet that is not likely to contribute to symptoms, and to explain the role of ordinary dietary practices in producing or avoiding gastrointestinal symptoms.
  • A normal diet is recommended, with emphasis on high-fibre foods that will add bulk to the stool, thus relieving the constructing pressure and promoting normal bowel motility.
  • Try to include more than 30gm fibre in your daily diet.
  • If you think your diet is not providing required fibre then additionally fibre can be added in the form of bulk laxatives (eg.psyllium).
  • An excess of wheat bran may exacerbate mild cases, commercial fibre supplements are generally beneficial.
  • Excess in dietary fat, caffeine, sugars and alcohol, alcoholic beverages should be avoided.
  • Relaxation and stress reduction techniques may also be useful.
  • Sometimes use of ant cholinergic or ant diarrheal agents may be necessary.
  • Drink plenty of water!
  • Try eating 6 small meals a day rather than 3 larger!
  • Avoid using commercial laxatives, they may weaken intestines,causes you to be dependent on them!
  • Learn new and better ways to deal with your stress!