7 Tips to Manage Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is when an individual has a sensitive gut. It poorly reacts to certain foods due to the poor absorption of fats, sugars absorbed into the system, cereals made of wheat, and hot spices. No medication or specific diet can help manage the symptoms, but the question that begs an answer is, “how can someone with IBS follow a wholesome diet without missing out?.” Here are a few dietary tips that can help IBS patients:
Start by cooking meals at home
Home-cooked meals are the best way to handle an irritable bowel. They ensure that the food is fresh and clean, and one is absolutely sure of the ingredients that go into making the food. So, no surprise elements that can trigger IBS in any way. Following this dietary tip for IBS patients is also a good way to pick up a fancy hobby and cook what one would like to eat without risking any health issues.
Use a diary to keep track of the foods consumed
Keeping track of what one eats daily is absolutely necessary to identify the food that may have triggered IBS if one has an attack. Using the diary, an individual can weed out the foods and beverages that do not work well with their system and switch to foods that are more suitable for them.
Include probiotics to improve gut health
Probiotics are made up of live bacteria and yeasts that are good for the body and amazingly healthy for the tummy. So, one can try including probiotics in their diet for a month to build a healthy gut, and see whether it works for them.
Do not delay or skip meals
Skipping or delaying meals may cause acidity and upset the environment in the tummy, which is what IBS patients must avoid. So, a helpful dietary tip for people with IBS is to eat their meals on time. This helps the stomach stick to a schedule. Also, one should not gulp their food down; instead, they should eat slowly to avoid air from filling in the stomach.
Avoid spicy or processed foods
Having spicy or processed foods when one has a sensitive stomach is the equivalent of walking into the lion’s den and expecting not to be eaten. Spicy foods irritate the lining of the stomach, which causes some people to develop food-induced diarrhea.
Avoid foods that are difficult to digest
Foods with high fiber content are usually very difficult to digest and can cause constipation, so avoiding whole grains, brown bread, and nuts and seeds is a beneficial dietary tip for IBS patients. Instead, the intake of foods with soluble fiber, like oats and carrots, should be increased.
Drink plenty of water, and then drink some more
It is super important for IBS patients to stay hydrated to prevent the loss of fluids and ensure that their bowel movements are soft and easy. However, other fluids might not have the same effects, so carbonated drinks and caffeinated beverages are best avoided.