Irritable Bowel Syndrome also known as irritable colon is one of the most common chronic digestive diseases. It is characterized by abdominal pain accompanied by changes in bowel habits which can cause diarrhoea, constipation or other annoying symptoms that increase the patient's sensitivity to certain foods. Although its exact causes are unknown, once diagnosed it is very important that the patient eats properly to avoid annoying episodes. If you do not know where to start, on OneHowTo.com we explain what to eat if you have irritable bowel syndrome.
Because irritable bowel syndrome does not have an origin that can be accurately determined, there is no specific treatment beyond watching what you eat, avoiding episodes of stress and exercising frequently to improve the state of the intestine and to prevent discomfort. If these recommendations are followed, dramatic improvements are presented in the patient's state of health.
If you have irritable colon you should avoid eating too much. Eat smaller portions instead and eat five times a day instead of larger portions only three times a day.
Following this recommendation is important to promote digestion and to prevent discomfort caused by irritable bowel.
It is also important to eat slowly and chew food properly. Eating quickly not only affects our digestion but also promotes the production of gases, increasing discomfort in cases of irritable bowel syndrome.
If you suffer from irritable bowel you should avoid or remove from your diet foods that increase the discomfort and symptoms, including:
- Very fatty foods (meats, junk food, fried food, etc)
- Processed sugars, sweets and pastries
- Food stimulants such as coffee, tea, chocolate or soda
- Alcohol
- Dairy: milk, cheese, yogurt, butter
- Hot and spicy foods as they irritate the bowl more
- Flatulence-producing foods such as cabbages, legumes, onions or nuts
To eat with irritable bowel it is important that you follow a healthy diet which doesn't include any of the foods mentioned above. It is important that:
- Always opt for healthy meals such as baked, grilled, steamed or cooked options
- You should avoid sweets and opt rather for fruits
- It is important that you remove from your diet or you avoid vegetables and legumes that produce flatulence, as their intake significantly increases discomfort
- You should stay well hydrated by consuming at least 2 litres of water a day
- Avoid dairy and instead consume soy products
- Keep stress levels low and practice exercise or sport daily, as this promotes intestinal transit, reduces symptoms, decreases stress and improves your health.
There are some medications to relieve discomfort caused by irritable colon, but these should only be consumed under medical supervision and after prior indication of a specialist.
Following these suggestions and indications of your doctor, you get to control your irritable bowel and learn to live better.
This article is merely informative, oneHOWTO does not have the authority to prescribe any medical treatments or create a diagnosis. We invite you to visit your doctor if you have any type of condition or pain.
If you want to read similar articles to What can I eat if I have irritable bowel syndrome, we recommend you visit our Diseases & secondary effects category.