Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is one of the most commonly diagnosed gastrointestinal disorders observed between 9 to 23% of the population in the world.
It is primarily characterized by abdominal discomfort and pain mostly due to altered bowel habits. It is grouped into 3 types. IBS due to diarrhea, IBS due to constipation, and IBS (mixed, which includes both diarrhea, constipation, and episodes of bloating.)
-Diet, Stress and Poor Sleep
– Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
– Acidity and Occasional heartburn
– Migraines
– Functional Dyspepsia
– certain medications can also cause IBS (Birth Control Pills, Antibiotics, Antidepressants, Aspirin, Narcotics and NSAID’s)
– Abdominal Pain and cramping
– Bloating
– Constipation
– Diarrhea
– Changes in Bowel movements
– Gas
– Nausea
– Food Intolerance
– Fatigue
– Anxiety and Depression
The primary step in IBS management involves developing a strong patient-physician relationship which is empathetic and understanding.
The main goal in treatment is to combat this symptom-based disorder is by resolving the symptoms causing distress; which include pain, diarrhea, constipation, bloating, pain and cramps.
Targeting individual symptoms; constipation can be treated with fiber supplements and laxatives. Probiotics are helpful during diarrhea. The colonic transit time and overall symptoms have also shown improvement with increased physical activity.
Food is very strongly associated with IBS symptoms. Different dietary modifications may help different people with IBS. Three most common routes of diet therapy practiced on IBS include:
Fiber is an indigestible complex carbohydrate that is present exclusively in plant foods. Though we do not derive any energy from them, they are integral to a well-tuned digestive system and help the body remove potentially harmful waste.
There are two types of fiber; Soluble fiber present in oats, bran, barley, nuts, beans, lentils, and Insoluble fiber present in whole wheat flour, wheat bran, nuts, and green beans.
Research studies concluded that soluble fiber is more effective in the treatment of IBS. However, the intake of fiber must be gradual 2- 3g/day may prevent gas or bloat. This is because too much fiber at once can cause IBS symptoms to worsen.
Gluten is a protein present in wheat, barley, and rye. It has been observed that the temporary elimination of gluten from the diet improves the condition of IBS. Foods that have gluten include most cereals, grains, pasta, and processed foods.
This special diet may be recommended by your doctor to avoid or reduce the intake of certain carbohydrate food sources which are difficult to digest. The list includes: –
– fruits like apples, mango, watermelon, pear, cherries.
-canned fruit, fruit juice, dried fruits.
– Vegetables such as asparagus, beans, cabbage, cauliflower, garlic, onion.
-Dairy products such as milk, soft cheese, yogurt, ice cream.
-Wheat and rye products
-Honey and foods with high fructose corn syrup
-Products include candy, gum, and sweeteners. (xylitol, mannitol, sorbitol)
In order to understand the association of diet therapy and the prognosis of IBS consulting a nutritionist becomes essential.
A positive correlation has been observed between physical activities and symptom relief in the case of IBS. Exercise helps in reducing the aggravated GI symptoms and helps alleviate gas. Yoga has also shown to be equally beneficial as conventional treatments in improving IBS symptoms.
A healthy lifestyle modification with dietary interventions and regular exercise routine along with a stress-free environment aid the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome.
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