How Diet can help with ibs treatment

Irritable bowel syndrome is a digestive tract condition that causes abdominal pain and cramping. Some people experience bouts of diarrhea whereas others have constipation. In some cases, a person may switch between the two. For some people, the condition results in debilitating, life-altering symptoms that prevent them from performing daily activities such as grocery shopping. Since diet often plays a significant role in the flare up of irritable bowel syndrome symptoms, a person should know how to use their diet to minimize the condition.

The ibs treatment that is considered the most effective is changing the way you eat and what you eat. Below are a few points on how you can get relief from IBS symptoms:

• Use caution when consuming dairy products. The sugar in many dairy products, called lactose, may trigger symptoms in people with irritable bowel syndrome. If dairy appears to irritate the bowel, a person may try eating yogurt, since an enzyme contained in yogurt aids in the digestion of lactose. Some people may find that they cannot eat dairy products of any kind. In this situation, the person should use supplements or other foods to ensure adequate nutrient intake.

• Monitor fiber intake. Some people with irritable bowel syndrome see a dramatic reduction in symptoms when they consume a diet high in fiber. Other people may find that increasing fiber aggravates the condition, resulting in an increase in gas and abdominal cramping. Since reactions vary, each person must determine the food choices that work best for him. If he does not tolerate a high fiber diet, he may need to gradually introduce fiber supplements, and this may help minimize discomfort.

• Choose foods based on symptoms. Irritable bowel syndrome often causes diarrhea, and when this occurs, a person should avoid foods known to cause loose stools. Common culprits include foods high in fat, broccoli, cauliflower, coffee and spicy foods. During diarrhea flare-ups, eating a low-residue diet may help control symptoms. This means a person should eat cooked foods and avoid eating raw fruits and vegetables, as well as decreasing fiber intake.

Taking probiotics, peppermint oil supplements and regular exercise and acupuncture, hypnotherapy and cognitive-behavioral therapies are known to be effective in managing IBS symptoms. Each treatment has different results for different people, so consulting a doctor is wise before starting any one of them.