Last time readers dropped in, they found a ton of information on ways to reduce IBS symptoms with a low-FODMAP diet. Follow along in today’s blog to find out more ways doctors treat patients with IBS. Read further to find out what you should eat to ease chronic IBS constipation.
IBS-C:
IBS constipation is irritable bowel syndrome associated with constipation. You will almost always be told to eat more fiber. Every person needs to eat a certain amount of fiber to keeps bowels regular.
Gradually increasing fiber intake is key. This is necessary to allow the body to adjust. If you were to add fiber too quickly, you may stay constipated.
Patients may even have worse constipation from a rapid increase in fiber. Most commonly, soluble fiber is more easily tolerated than insoluble fiber. This especially rings true to people with IBS.
Eating foods that contain healthy polyunsaturated or monounsaturated fats is also important. Foods that are high in saturated fat should be avoided. Foods high in saturated fat and sugar are known to promote constipation.
The following foods are good for people with IBS constipation:
- whole-grain bread and cereals
- vegetables- green leafy vegetables, sweet potato, and Brussel sprouts
- beans
- peas
- lentils
- fruits- apples, pears, kiwifruit, figs, kiwifruit
- oat bran
- dried fruit
- non-fat milk
- yogurt
- kefir
- skinless chicken
- fish- fatty fish like salmon and tuna
- seeds- chia seeds, ground flaxseed
- clear soups
Avoid the following foods if you have IBS-C:
- white bread
- pasta
- crackers
- unripe bananas
- persimmons
- baked goods- cookies, muffins, cakes
- fast or fried foods
- white rice
- alcohol- especially beer
- red meat
- full-fat cream and dairy
- potato chips
- chocolate
- creamy soups
IBS-D:
IBS-D is a type of IBS with diarrhea issues. It is best to stick with bland foods if symptoms are severe. Foods that are too rich or processed should be avoided. Fatty, greasy, or creamy foods may be the worst for IBS-D.
These foods can speed up intestinal contractions. When the intestines move in this manner, it causes cramping and runny stools also called diarrhea. Insoluble fibers draw water from the intestine which makes stools loose or watery. It is best to limit daily fiber intake to less than 1.5 grams per half-cup during episodes of IBS-D.
The following are foods you should eat if you have IBS-D:
- white bread
- pasta
- crackers
- oatmeal
- skinless chicken
- lean meat
- lean fish
- whole grains- if you do not have a gluten intolerance
- eggs
- bananas
- rice milk, almond milk, coconut milk
- boiled or baked potatoes
- beans
- peas
- legumes
- low-fat probiotic yogurt
- unsweetened clear fruit juice
- hard cheeses
- tofu
- applesauce
Avoid the following foods if you have IBS-D:
- processed meats- hot dogs, lunchmeat
- fatty meats- bacon, sausage
- fast or fried foods
- foods high in sugar- baked goods
- sardines and oil-packed canned fish
- cruciferous vegetables- cauliflower, broccoli, cabbage, Brussels sprouts
- carbonated drinks
alcohol- dried fruits
- sweetened fruit nectars
- juices
- milk and dairy products- butter, soft cheeses
- citrus fruits
- caffeine
- salad greens
- raw vegetables
- artificial sweeteners- sorbitol, xylitol (also toxic to dogs)
Return for more informational blogs next week. We hope our IBS series is helping you reduce symptoms such as IBS constipation and IBS diarrhea. As life is getting back to normal and dinner parties, birthday parties, and other social gatherings pick up, remember to stick to your recommended diet to allow your gut to thrive.
Staff Writer