IBS Treatment

IBS Treatment

Can Irritable Bowel Syndrome Symptoms Be Controlled Through Diet?
Irritable Bowel Syndrome, or IBS, is characterized by a set of symptoms which are not accounted for by other diseases.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome is usually diagnosed when infection, Coeliac disease, parasites, food allergy, and lactose intolerance have ruled out. So, what is IBS Treatment.

There are two types of IBS- diarrhea-predominant and constipation-predominant. In both types, other symptoms include a feeling of urgency to evacute the bowels, a feeling that the bowels have not been fully evacuated, pain, cramping, bloating, and abdominal distention. Since the diagnosis is made by these sets of symptoms, there is no known cause, although it is generally agreed that stress can bring on these symptoms.
Since there is little agreement on the cause of these symptoms, there is no one diet which doctors recommend for those who suffer from IBS. In addition to stress, fatty foods and foods high in sugar often bring on attacks, so avoiding these is generally recommended.
Other suspected culprits are caffeine, alcohol, fructose, milk and milk products, gas-producing foods (such as beans, cabbage, and broccoli) and the artificial sweeteners sorbitol and xylitol, which are often found in sugar-free candies and gum. Since the symptoms of IBS and lactose intolerance are so similar, doctors often recommend cutting out milk and dairy products, just to be on the safe side.
They also advise keeping a food diary, writing down what is ingested each day so that the offending food may be narrowed down. They also agree that eating slowly in a quiet, relaxed atmosphere can help with symptoms. Now that we’ve identified foods to avoid, let’s review some foods which are recommended for those who have Irritable Bowel Syndrome.
Probiotics are gaining popularity for all sorts of digestive tract problems. The word comes from the Greek “pro” (for) and “biotic” (life). Probiotics are the good bacteria which live in our digestive tracts and are essential to good health. Recently, yogurt and smoothies containing probiotics became available in every grocery store. Further dietary recommendations depend upon whether the IBS is constipation-predominant or diarrhea-predominant.

Fiber, both soluble and non-soluble, will help with constipation. However, many fiber-rich foods fall under the catergories of foods to avoid. Fruit contains fructose, and beans, cabbage, and broccoli are gas-producing. Non-gas-producing vegetables, whole grains in breads, cereals, and pastas would be good choices. Failing that, fiber supplements can be taken. Drinking plenty of water can also help relieve constipation.
When diarrhea is a problem, drinking plenty of fluids is also important to avoid dehydration. It is also a good idea to replace the electrolytes lost if the diarrhea is severe. Failure to do so upsets the balance of sodium and potassium in the blood. These are essential for the electrical rhythm of the heart to continue.
Avoid sports drinks for this replenishment, since they are also very high in sugar, which can be a culprit in IBS. Sugar-free sports drinks are available. Another good choice might be tomato or tomato-vegetable blend juices. Since each person is a unique individual, controlling Irritable Bowel Syndrome symptoms will be unique to each sufferer. Avoid stress, especially when eating, avoid foods high in fat and sugar, and keep that diary.
Base your dietary choices on the foods which leave you symptom-free, and also avoid those which give you problems.