Constipation for those with IBS and a Diet Plan to Help
In those with IBS, foods high in fiber can cause symptoms related to the disorder. If you’re affected by chronic constipation, high fiber foods can help get the bowels regular. Constipation in people who suffer from IBS can be helped by consuming more fluids, adding fiber, and watching the proportion size of the meal they eat. Increases in fiber should be done slowly over a few weeks.
What causes IBS
Pain in the abdomen, gas, and bowel movements which are irregular are characteristics of IBS. Spasming muscles of the colon sometimes lead to constipation or diarrhea. If you often have stools which are hard and dry and difficult to rid your body of, you could have IBS that is constipation-predominate.
The colon sometimes soaks up too much of the water from the waste, this happens because the muscles in the intestine move sluggishly. To restore bowel movements which are regular, you should add more fiber to your diet.
Recommendations for Diet
To rid yourself of constipation, a diet low in fats and high in fiber is recommended. Twenty to thirty-five grams a day is what you should work your fiber consumption up to, gradually. You can find great sources of fiber in foods like fruits, legumes, breads made from whole wheat, and cereals. To reduce fat while increasing fiber you should substitute beans for meat a few times each week. You can Interchange cheese for salad, and breakfast is a great time for oatmeal with added bananas rather than a doughnut.
Fiber Types
Soluble and insoluble are the two types of fiber. For those with IBS, insoluble fibers often cause reactions in the intestines. Foods high in this fiber are some fruits and vegetables, and wheat brans. This type of fiber does not digest. People without IBS find this type of fiber to add bulk to stool which stimulates the colon but in people with IBS it can be the cause of diarrhea, bloating, and gas. Constipation can also be resolved by eating food with soluble fiber, such as beans, citrus fruits, whole oats, and apples.
Things to Consider
Constipation can worsen if fiber is added too quickly. Fluids should be increased as you increase fiber. Monitor the reactions your bowels have to foods, and eat smaller meals, four to five, each day. Those with IBS often report wheat to be a trigger.
Supplementary Treatment
To move the feces along the colon, supplemental fibers or using laxatives can help to relieve constipation. While a diet high in fiber may cure constipation it can cause pain in the abdomen. Your physician may prescribe something to relax the muscles in your intestine as the medications often prescribed to regulate the spasms in the colon makes constipation worse. Working with your physician will help you to find out what works for your personal digestive issues.
If you have IBS it is essential to see a doctor regularly to keep your symptoms in check. Please tell your doctor which foods bother you.
