Irritable bowel syndrome or IBS is a chronic gastrointestinal disorder. It is not disease but a combination of a number of symptoms like abdominal pain and discomfort, flatulence or bloating and alternating episodes of diarrhea and constipation. The increase in frequency and number of intestinal contractions disturb bowel movement patterns, which is the most likely cause of the alterations in bowel pattern. A variety of interventions are available for irritable bowel treatment, alleviating symptoms and improving overall level of functioning.
Dietary changes are important when dealing with alterations in bowel habits. Because the episodes can be constantly changing, either hard lumpy stools or soft watery ones may predominate an incident, the diet should consist of foods that specifically help to alleviate the abnormal pattern that are present at that time. The main result being sought is to lessen contractions and gut motility to reduce diarrhea and increase contractions and lubrication for constipation.
Soluble fiber from supplements and whole foods are necessary to aid in the process of digestion and to move matter through the intestine without straining or spasms.
The aim of the additional fiber is to soothe and relax the muscles that are responsible for the contractions to reduce pain experiences. Peppermint tea, chamomile and anise are also good sources that can be incorporated in an irritable bowel syndrome diet to aid digestion and help with bowel functionality.
Gastrointestinal spasms can return to normal and pain levels generally will have significantly decreased after ingesting soluble fiber for a few days. Severe cases of diarrhea or constipation can also be minimized. If there is not sufficient soluble fiber in the diet then taking a soluble fiber supplement with lots of water to facilitate proper draining and flushing of the bowel can help. Also, exercise can be very helpful in eliminating bloating and gassiness.
Soluble fiber can dissolve in water, which has beneficial effects in stool formation and elimination. The colon is filled with fluids and gel-like substances, which can be readily absorbed by the fiber to stabilize diarrhea as it adds form and integrity to the stool.
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On the other hand, it also can readily add water to stool during constipation to lessen lumpiness and firmness which then facilitates easier passage through the intestine and colon.
Rice, pasta, potatoes and oatmeal are good food sources of soluble fiber. Insoluble fiber like green leafy vegetables and fruits are beneficial for constipation relief. However, spasms and contractions are usually more likely with insoluble fiber, which may add to the constipation episodes.
Both soluble and insoluble fiber must be incorporated in a healthy diet. Some food sources like wheat, apples and cereals have insoluble fiber covering a soluble fiber content which is why most fruits and vegetables are better eaten with the skin on for a mix of both fiber types.
However, some types of insoluable fiber may have 'trigger risks' so a number of preparations like peeling may be effective to avoid hypersensitivity reactions. It may be a case of trial and error to see if you can eat fruits and vegetables with the skins on or off.
Soluble fiber is generally considered one of the most effective foods for IBS. Treating the disorder with whole foods or supplements should ease the gastro-colic reflex and relax the gastrointestinal muscles and so reduce spasms and contractions. This simple irritable bowel treatment can ease diarrhea and constipation significantly.
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