5 Dietary Changes For IBS Patients IBS is a common condition affecting up to 20% of the population. Although there is no sinister underlying disease process it can cause a multitude of symptoms including abdominal pain, bloating and altered bowel habit. Some patients have particularly severe symptoms leading to a significant impact on quality of life.
Diet plays an important role in IBS and below we discuss ways in which you can altered your diet to improve symptoms. There is no single diet that will help all patients with IBS, advice is usually tailored to your symptoms and triggers. Routine, Routine, Routine… We all generally function better when we have a set routine and your bowels are no different – especially when you have IBS. It’s important to eat your meals at approximately the same time each day – this includes weekends! Slowing down is also important. Many of us have busy schedules and often meal times are rushed. This tends to cause more stress on the bowel and aggravates IBS symptoms. Take enough time with meals, chew properly and don’t rush. Drinking - Maintaining good hydration levels is important with IBS – ensure you are drinking at least 2 litres per day of mainly water (unless you have any other medical condition which requires you to restrict your fluid intake). In patients that are constipated the fluid works with fibre in the diet to help relieve constipation. In individuals who have diarrhoea predominant IBS the fluid intake is important in recouping the fluid loss through loose motions. Caffeine should be limited to no more than 2-3 cups of tea / coffee per day. This is due to caffeine stimulating bowel movements which can worsen symptoms. Furthermore, alcohol and carbonated drinks should also be minimised as both can worsen symptoms of diarrhoea. Low sugar drinks and those with added sweetener should also be avoided as they contain sorbitol which can lead to bloating and diarrhoea.