The symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) tend to appear simultaneously. Both changes in bowel habits (to diarrhoea or constipation, or both) and persistent abdominal pain are included in this category of symptoms. Irritable bowel syndrome is characterised by these symptoms but, unlike other digestive disorders, does not manifest as any external signs of injury or sickness to the digestive tract. In this disease, there are four recognised subgroups.
- IBS-C (IBS with constipation)
- IBS-D (IBS with diarrhea)
- IBS-M (Mixed IBS) alternates between diarrhea and constipation
- IBS-U (Unsubtyped IBS) for people who don’t fit into the above types
IBS Symptoms
Irritable bowel syndrome sufferers may have symptoms such as the following:
Diagnosis of IBS
- Stool test and Blood test
- colonoscopy for the purpose of screening for illnesses such as inflammatory bowel disease and colon cancer
- The hydrogen breath test is used to screen for bacterial overgrowth in the small intestine as well as difficulty digesting certain carbohydrates, including lactose intolerance.
- Other tests may include:
- Symptoms analysis
- Physical examination
- endoscopy of the upper gastrointestinal tract, along with a biopsy, to test for celiac disease
Foods to avoid in IBS include:
- wheat-based bread, pasta and cereals,
- sweeteners
- legumes (lentils, kidney beans, chickpeas)
- lactose (yogurt, cheese, ice cream, milk,), only when you can’t tolerate lactose
- high fructose corn syrup
- certain vegetables (artichokes, asparagus, broccoli, onions, brussels sprouts)
- certain fruits (nectarines, plums, apples, mangoes, pears, watermelon, peaches)
Foods that may help with IBS Vegetables –
- Zucchini
- Water chestnut
- Turnip
- Tomato
- Sweet potato
- Squash
- Scallions (green parts only)
- Potato
- Parsnip
- Parsley
- Green beans
- Fennel
- Eggplant
- Corn (half a cob)
- Celeriac
- Carrots
- Broccoli
- Bell peppers
Fermented foods- Fermented drinks, such as kombucha or kefir Fermented vegetables, for example kimchi and sauerkraut Yogurt (without added sugar)
Bone Broth- Bone broth, particularly homemade bone broth, is known to include nutrients which are beneficial for the gut flora as well as the lining of the digestive tract. Probiotics
Fruits- Eat fruits which are less in fructose, including strawberries, limes, lemons, oranges, kiwis, grapes, cranberries, cantaloupe, boysenberries, blueberries, and bananas.
If you suffer from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), you will need to make certain dietary adjustments. If you want to go on a diet that’s tailored to your needs, you may have to give up some of your favourite meals, give up eating junk food, cut down on the amount of sauces and spices you use, and do your best.