Did you know that there are two different kinds of IBS and sometimes even four if you have a mix? You could have IBS constipation or IBS diarrhea. Depending on which type you have will determine the type of diet you should follow.
IBS Constipation:
For IBS-C, it’s important to hydrate well and to increase your fiber intake slowly. For women, you will want to gradually increase your intake by 2-3 grams per day until you consume 25 grams of fiber per day, and for men 38 grams.
IBS Diarrhea:
For IBS-D, you will want to stay away from gas-producing foods such as broccoli and cabbage and consume moderate amounts of soluble fiber such as oats, and brown rice to bulk up stool.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome is something that affects thousands of people and something that is diagnosed when an underlying cause of digestive symptoms is not found. If you have IBS or suspect you may here are three tips to improving your symptoms:
Tip #1: Eliminate Common Food Allergens
Whether you know you’re allergic to certain foods or not, it’s important to get tested for food allergies and remove them if IBS is something that impacts you. Consuming foods you are reactive to only creates further inflammation in the body.
Tip #2: Repopulate With Good Bacteria
Your gut needs good bacteria to thrive. With IBS, you may not have enough healthy bacteria in your digestive tract. Try repopulating your gut by taking a high quality probiotic.
Tip #3: Try Digestive Enzymes
Digestive enzymes help to give your digestive system a boost and help your body break down food. With IBS there’s a good chance your gut needs assistance with digestion, and digestive enzymes can help give it that boost.
For this week’s challenge, I encourage you to eliminate some of the most common triggers for IBS.
- Stress: Stress can trigger IBS flares. Try to combat stress with exercise, meditation, and getting enough sleep.
- Certain Medications: There are a handful of medications that are known to make IBS worse. Try to avoid antibiotics, certain antidepressants, and any medications made with sorbitol.
- Eating too Quickly: This can trigger a flare. Sit down and enjoy each meal.
- Living a Sedentary Lifestyle: It’s important to exercise for all aspects of health including reducing IBS symptoms.