If you or someone you know is suffering with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), you know how painful and challenging it can be. Stomach pain, diarrhea, constipation and other similar impacts can make life almost unbearable. However, the good news is that simple dietary changes can actually help combat the effects of IBS. Here are a few suggestions:
 
EAT MORE PROBIOTICS:
Probiotics are a type of bacteria found in a number of foods, such as yogurt, that help reduce the growth of harmful bacteria in the digestive tract. Eliminating this harmful bacteria may help reduce diarrhea symptoms in certain people.
 
TRY MORE SOLUBLE FIBRES:
There are two types of fibre: soluble and insoluble. For some people, eating additional soluble fibre helps ease IBS symptoms. Foods containing soluble fibres include oats, nuts, seeds and some fruits & vegetables.
 
STAY HYDRATED:
Staying hydrated is important for maintaining general health but it’s particularly important for reducing IBS symptoms. Try to drink several cups of water each day and avoid alcohol and even caffeinated beverages whenever possible. Drinking alcohol can cause the stomach to produce more acid than usual, which can also lead to negative symptoms and caffeinated drinks can overstimulate the gastrointestinal tract, causing additional IBS issues.
 
EAT REGULAR MEALS:
Missing meals, leaving long gaps between meals or even eating too quickly can sometimes overstimulate the bowels and digestive tract which is why it’s important to maintain regular pacing between and during meals.
 
ELIMINATE FOODS YOUR SYSTEM CAN’T TOLERATE:
Different foods impact each of us differently and because there’s no universal list of foods that cause or contribute to IBS symptoms, it’s important to understand which particular foods may lead to increased IBS symptoms in your particular case. Once identified, they should be eliminated from your diet. Of course, the trick is in identifying these foods. Traditionally, this has been accomplished through an elimination diet – which can be time-consuming and involves trial & error and a lot of guesswork – however, today, many people are turning to blood-based screening systems which tend to be faster and more effective.
 
If you, or someone you know, is struggling with IBS and need help with making dietary modifications, or would like to take advantage of a blood-based screening system such as the HEMOCODE™ Food Intolerance System offered by Physiomed, please don’t hesitate to let us know. Remember, at Physiomed, Healthier Starts Here!