The right diet for irritable bowel syndrome should aim to promote proper digestion and bowel habits, as well as reduce the symptoms of abdominal pain and discomfort.
As irritable bowel syndrome negatively affects the process of digestion, making the colon hypersensitive and function abnormally, certain foods can be incorporated in the sufferer's usual diet to alleviate some of the worse symptoms.
Essentially, they are foods that relax the gastrointestinal tract, soothe the muscles, and clear the passageway.
Soluble fiber is considered as probably the best food to prevent or manage irritable bowel syndrome.
Rich sources of soluble fiber include grain and wheat products, like rice and oatmeal.
Several other foods including barley, soy, carrots, potatoes and bananas are also rich in soluble fiber.
Incorporating soluble fiber in the diet of irritable bowel syndrome patients can aid in constipation episodes by providing soluble fiber gel, which improves bowel movement.
The colon is rich in gel and fluids, which are responsible for moving and evacuating fecal matter.
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As soluble fiber absorbs and carries some of the natural gel that the colon produces, constipation can effectively be relieved by faster and smoother passage of the bowel and diarrhea will ease due to the concentrated fluids.
Soluble fiber is water soluble but not digested in the intestinal tract so it can prevent and improve alterations in bowel habits by increasing the bulk of stool in diarrhea patients which then adds more constitution and body.
Constipation is significantly relieved as soluble fiber uses the colon gel to smooth the passageway and ease the hold of the intestinal tract on the bowel during peristalsis.
Adding soluble fiber to the diet has more beneficial effects on the colon by regulating the muscular spasms and contractions and aiding the gastrocolic reflex.
Reconditioning the contractions will reduce abdominal cramping and bloating.
It is also recommended that patients consume soluble fiber in small quantities four to six times a day.
Insoluble fiber also has an important role to play in the digestion process, but someone with IBS needs to be wary of eating too much in one sitting.
Insoluble fiber can help bulk and soften stools, which helps ease constipation, but as it is a strong intestinal stimulator it needs to be eaten in moderation and with other foods that lessens the effect.
Ensure sufficient water in drunk to also help relieve constipation symptoms.
Other foods that will initially need to be restricted from the diet are those that cause a lot of gas, as bloating and gassiness can trigger IBS symptoms due to the hypersensitive reaction.
This means steering clear of carbonated drinks and soda, and foods like cauliflower, cabbage and broccoli.
The presence of soluble fiber in a diet for irritable bowel syndrome can improve the condition of the digestive tract and reduce abnormal contractions of the intestines.
It is one of the best additions a person can make to relieve diarrhea or constipation and help sufferers gain more control over their bowel movement pattern.