Many people with Irritable bowel syndrome find that eating a proper diet for IBS can help improve and lessen the symptoms over time.  This is because certain foods can trigger and aggravate the situation.  This article will discuss several options which can assist and help people manage IBS by limiting or eliminating foods that can bring on the symptoms and providing recipes for ibs and other resourceful information.

What is IBS?
Irritable bowel syndrome is a problem or condition more common in women where the intestines either squeeze too hard or not hard at all.  This can cause the food to move too quickly or move too slowly through the intestines.  IBS is also known as irritable colon, spastic bowel or spastic colon.  It can also be called functional bowel syndrome.

What are the Symptoms?
Symptoms can include excessive bloating, abdominal pain and discomfort.  This can be followed by diarrhea or constipation.  Patients can experience a strong urge to have a bowel movement, even after having one already.

How is it diagnosed?
Your doctor will perform an extensive and complete physical exam and medical history after other things have been ruled out.  This may include a colonoscopy, X-rays, etc.

Eating for IBS
Not everyone has the exact same symptoms.  Some will experience diarrhea and others will experience constipation as their main symptom.
In order to control Irritable bowel syndrome, It is important to keep a daily log of what you eat and how it makes you feel.  This can help you determine what foods are the possible triggers.  With this in mind, the following is a list of some known foods that are possible triggers

Foods to avoid
Caffeine which can make diarrhea worse
Alcohol and carbonated drinks
Foods that contain high fructose or sugary items
Avoid foods that are high in fat
Avoid certain dairy products
Avoid certain vegetables like broccoli and cabbage which can cause gas

Diet tips to maintain and control
Always drink plenty of water.
Add a moderate amount of fiber to your diet
Eat a well balanced, healthy diet
Regular exercise
Get at least 8 hours of sleep
Listen to your body and don’t push yourself physically

Other triggers that can cause IBS include stress and anxiety due to problems at home or at work.  There are also certain drugs like antidepressants that can trigger
bouts with constipation or diarrhea.  Consult with your doctor about these drugs and he may be able to change or switch them.

In closing, it is possible to alleviate and prevent many of the symptoms that can trigger irritable bowel (IBS) by looking closely at your diet and making little changes here and there.
Speak to your doctor and keep him or her in the loop.  Let him know of recent changes to your diet, sleep, etc.  Read up on books that provide great information on this subject.  Join a support group where you can talk to other patients and share similar experiences  With the proper planning, it is possible to lead a healthy and active lifestyle.

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