The Role of Diet in Managing Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Irritable bowel syndrome, often known as IBS, is a painful condition that can disrupt your life. Managing your diet can play a key role in how you feel, especially when you have IBS. Dr. Vikram Jayanty and Dr. Julien Fahed in Houston, TX, offer comprehensive gastroenterology services, including diagnosis, treatment, and dietary management of irritable bowel syndrome, or IBS.

What You Need To Know About Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Irritable bowel syndrome affects your large intestine, causing significant signs and symptoms, including:

• Abdominal cramping and pain
• Gas and bloating
• Diarrhea or constipation
• Mucus in your stools

It is thought that IBS is caused by the improper functioning of the nervous system in your gastrointestinal tract. The small muscles in the lining of your intestinal tract don’t move correctly, so food doesn’t pass through your stomach and intestine easily.

Diet plays a major role in irritable bowel symptoms, so modifying your diet can reduce your symptoms and help you feel better. Avoiding these foods and beverages can help when you have IBS:

• Fruits
• Milk and fats
• Chocolate and spices
• Cabbage and cauliflower
• Broccoli and beans
• Carbonated beverages and alcohol

Nutritional counseling and meal planning from your gastroenterologist can help you manage your symptoms. Your gastroenterologist may also recommend lifestyle modifications to help you feel your best. These may include stress management techniques such as yoga, meditation, and gentle stretches.

If you have mild, occasional IBS symptoms, your gastroenterologist may recommend:

• Antibiotics
• Fiber supplements
• Anti-diarrheal medications
• Medications to reduce intestinal spasms

If you have moderate-to-severe IBS symptoms, your gastroenterologist may recommend additional medications, including:

• Alosetron, to relax your colon
• Lubiprostone, to increase fluid secretion so stools pass easily

Want To Know More About Irritable Bowel Syndrome?

To find out more about the role of diet in the management of irritable bowel syndrome, talk with your gastroenterologist. Call Dr. Vikram Jayanty and Dr. Julien Fahed in Houston, TX. You can reach him in the office by calling (713) 932-9200, so call today.