Irritable bowel syndrome is a gastrointestinal upset. The condition is characterized by abdominal pain, bloating, cramping, constipation, or diarrhea. Irritable bowel syndrome is a long-term illness, however, alleviating the symptoms is not a big problem.
It should be noted that the symptoms of the disease can change daily for the worse or for the better. Irritable bowel syndrome does not provoke more serious pathologies, such as, for example, inflammatory diseases or cancerous tumors.
Most people prone to gastrointestinal upset, note pain when eating, discomfort.
Irritable bowel syndrome is accompanied by a weakening of the motility of the digestive tract, in some cases, constipation alternates with diarrhea, there is also an incomplete emptying of the stomach.
Presumably, the condition is caused by increased sensitivity of the gastrointestinal tract. The reason for this manifestation is not clarified.
Symptoms of a gastrointestinal tract disorder can cause stress and food. The main treatment for the disease is to change the diet and control nervous reactions. The use of drugs is advisable for the manifestation of severe symptoms that impede normal functioning.
As patients' observations show, certain foods cause irritable bowel syndrome. Diet, therefore, involves the exclusion of certain types of food. In this case, control over the diet is carried out to a greater extent by the patient. In general, you can change it based on the leading symptom.
No special diet for irritable bowel syndrome is prescribed. However, there are a number of products whose exclusion or addition can eliminate constipation or diarrhea.
To facilitate obstructed bowel movements, it is recommended that you add fiber to your diet. It is able to absorb water and increase the volume of contents in the thick section of the organ. This, in turn, greatly facilitates bowel movements and increases its frequency. Fiber is found in fresh fruits (apples, pears), vegetables, wheat bran, coarse bread and cereals, and beans. An increase in fiber content is recommended to be carried out gradually, in order to avoid an increase in gas formation.
For constipation, frequent fluid intake is recommended. Drink at least six or eight glasses daily.
In the presence of any difficulties with the constant intake of the required amount of products containing fiber, it is allowed to use special additives in food. They may contain fiber, methyl cellulose or crushed seeds. These additives from laxatives differ in that they do not irritate the intestinal mucosa.
However, not always increasing the fiber content in the diet has a beneficial effect on patients. In some cases, taking it may increase certain symptoms of the disease, such as bloating.
To relieve diarrhea, it is recommended that certain foods be excluded from the diet. These include apples, beans, cabbage, fatty foods, sausages. In addition, dairy products, alcohol containing caffeine (tea, chocolate, coffee) are not recommended. Doctors also advise restricting or eliminating smoking and chewing tobacco. Xylitol and sorbitol (artificial sweeteners) found in chewing gum and some sweets can also cause diarrhea.
Experts recommend eliminating the above products gradually. In this way, the disappearance or relief of symptoms can be traced. If the rejection of any product does not affect the manifestation of the syndrome, there is no need to exclude it from the diet.