Eating for IBS

IBS or irritable bowel syndrome can be a very distrustful and discussing disorder characterized by stomach cramps, occasional bloating, diarrhea, and sometimes even constipation. While the symptoms vary from person to person and an individual basis and can range from very mild very severe there are some things patients can do to help alleviate them through diet.

Many studies have shown that foods that contain gluten and actual substance that occurs in grains such as wheat, rye, and barley had been found to aggravate cases of IBS. Foods that are high in acid or caffeine lead and drinks such as coffee and soda can aggravate the stomach lining and the bowels.

Many cases of lactose intolerance also aggravate IBS. Symptoms include nausea, cramps, gas, bloating and diarrhea and usually occur shortly after consuming milk or dairy products. Another type of food that has been shown to greatly aggravate all the symptoms of IBS are those that are greasy or high in fat.


Fatty foods increase the response of the gastric system making food moved through swifter causing diarrhea and other IBS symptoms. Adding fiber to your diet can help alleviate diarrhea so long as you’re not experiencing gas or periods of constipation that these products could aggravate. Another dietary factors seriously avoid are alcoholic beverages as these will considerably aggravate the condition and cause other damage as well.

Some over the counter supplements also helped provide extra fiber and contain high levels of psyllium. Although these products can be helpful it is always best to try to find natural substances and many vegetables contain high levels of fiber to help ease the discomfort. Foods that are high in omega 3 such as fish are excellent to help use their regular schedule and aid in good digestion.

A few simple rules to help alleviate the pain of IBS are:

  • Don’t eat in an empty stomach-this means when you get up in the morning paper fiber tablet or eat a few crackers to prepare your stomach for richer foods.
  • Read food labels-check to make sure things such as gluten, or dairy products are not high enough or are of the list of ingredients and product before you buy them.
  • Track what you eat-keep a list, make a note when you have reactions to certain foods, and then avoid them.

There also some highly touted natural remedies such as the use of aloe Vera to help soothe the digestive tract and intestinal lining. Certain herbs such as peppermint, fennel, and, chamomile can help to prevent some of the symptoms of IBS. Ginger is another herb they can be very helpful because it contains very powerful enzymes that aid digestion. Remember that just because foods are bland is not as a surly make them safe. Some foods that are very bland can actually cause bloating to worsen an increase the chance of constipation.

Different remedies work for different people just as the triggers for IBS are different for each person. However, diet does make a difference and goes a long way to making patients more comfortable and have longer periods between IBS outbreaks.