Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a disorder that can have lifelong effects. However, the aggravating symptoms, triggers, and reactions can be mitigated largely through a nutritious diet. This condition can lead to cramping, diarrhea, constipation, abdominal pain, and bloating. The following diet tips for IBS, if inculcated in a person’s diet, can go a long way in bringing about a healthy change while dealing with IBS:

1. Diet consisting of high fiber content

Fiber adds volume to a person’s stool and is extremely helpful in making the process of excretion painless, smooth, and healthy. An adult is required to consume at least 20 to 35 grams. It bodes well if the fiber consumed is nutritious. Fruits, vegetables, and whole grain fill the dual criteria of having high fiber content while being nutritious at the same time.

2. Diet consisting of limited fiber

The conventional advice given to a person suffering from IBS is that their diet must consist of a high concentration of fiber. However, this is not universally applicable. It is possible that a person suffering from IBS may become prey to allergic reactions after the consumption of certain kinds of fiber. These include signs of gas and diarrhea. This does not mean that the person must refrain from including fiber in their diet, but must prefer to consume soluble fiber rather than insoluble fiber. Soluble fiber, as opposed to adding to the person’s stool like insoluble fiber, will dissolve in water. Common sources of soluble fiber include berries, oatmeal, carrots, and apples. High amounts of insoluble fiber are found in nuts, tomatoes, whole grains, raisins, cabbage, cauliflower, and broccoli.

3. A diet free of gluten

One of the types of protein substances found in products such as bread and pasta is gluten. There are many cases where a person who is gluten intolerant also suffers from IBS. Ostracizing gluten from the diet may help. To do this, rye, barley, and wheat must be avoided to check if the symptoms of IBS reduce. A person can find the gluten-free counterparts of bread and pasta in stores to not miss out.

4. A low-fat diet

A diet consisting of a high content of fat can create excessive problems for people suffering from IBS. Aside from contributing to diabetes and obesity, food with high fat content contains an extremely low amount of insoluble fiber, the consumption of which, is counterproductive to the treatment of IBS. A low-fat diet keeps the conditions of IBS at bay.

5. Restrained FODMAP diet

FODMAPs (fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols) are a category of carbohydrates that are divided based on the fact that the intestines find them difficult to digest. They absorb more water and thus, lead to complications such as gas and bloating. Below is a list of food that contains high amounts of FODMAPs and need to be given a second thought are:

• Lactose products
• Mangoes, apples, watermelon nectarines, plums, and peaches
• Corn syrup that has high amounts of fructose
• Cashews and pistachios
• Cereals and bread made out of bread

One must follow these diet tips for IBS in order to manage the symptoms effectively.