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Everything you need to know about the healthy diet plan for IBS

IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome): Diet Plan for IBS

IBS is one of the most problematic conditions that affect your gut and your overall lifestyle. It’s even seen that IBS symptoms flare up with the intake of specific food options. And that is why it’s suggested to change the diet plan. Irritable bowel syndrome can trigger in some people by consuming specific food options. 

Food is a powerhouse to generate your body’s well-being towards the right path. And that is why our Gastroenterologist in Ludhiana has shared essential insider tips for the ‘Best Diet Plan For IBS.’ When you consult our gastroenterologist, he will guide you towards the right possible option to make your bowel health better and healthy.  

Gastro doctor guide: Diet Plan for IBS

Your IBS diet plan includes three significant steps. And those are mentioned below:

Step 1: Live a healthy lifestyle and follow the healthy diet plan

For a healthy IBS Diet plan, you should:

  • Eat fruits and vegetables
  • Drink an adequate amount of water, at least 10 to 12 glasses, every day 
  • Include scratchy carbohydrates like rice, bread, pasta, potatoes, cereals, and chapatis. 
  • Milk & dairy products. Individuals with lactose intolerance should have rice milk, oat milk, and soya milk. 
  • Include protein-enriched food like eggs, fish, meat, pulses & beans. 
  • Don’t have an excess amount of sugary and high in fat food
  • Don’t have saturated food like cakes, butter, ghee, cheese, biscuits, etc. 

For a healthy IBS lifestyle

  • Do not miss out on any meal
  • Never eat your food in a hurry
  • Properly chew the food
  • Avoid eating late at night
  • Exercise regularly
  • De-stress yourself 
Step 2: Change IBS diet depending on symptoms

With a healthy diet and lifestyle, you have to change your diet plan depending on the symptoms. Therefore, modify the diet to get the symptoms under control. Here are some of the changes you should make:

  • Limit the regular intake of coffee

Coffee stimulates the colon and makes symptoms worse. So, limit coffee and tea intake to not more than 3 cups in a day. Additionally, limit soft drinks. 

  • Do not drink alcohol

Just like alcohol, you need to limit alcohol intake daily. It’s better to keep at least two days without any alcohol intake

  • Limit intake of resistant starch 

Some starch doesn’t react well to digestive health and aggravates IBS symptoms. Here’s what you have to avoid:

  • Ready meals
  • Pastry
  • Cold potato, salad, or pasta 
  • Savory snacks
  • Processed food of any kind
  • Whole grains, sweet corn, green banana, and muesli
  • Make your fiber intake better

For most individuals diagnosed with IBS, fiber intake is not correct. And some have to increase their fiber intake. So, depending on how your body reacts, you should manage your fiber intake every day. 

  • Reduce fatty foods

Some fatty foods are problematic for the body to digest, and their intake can worsen symptoms. So, you should:

  • Avoid fatty meat products such as sausages, pies, and pasties
  • Take cheese in a small amount
  • Intake of lower-fat dairy food like low-fat yogurt, semi-skimmed milk, and cottage cheese
  • Use tomato-based sauces 
  • Cakes, biscuits, chocolates, and pastries.
  • Make dressings and sauces with mayonnaise and salad cream but add small amounts. 
  • Opt for different and healthy cooking methods: Microwaving, grilling, steaming, boiling, and poaching. Avoid frying.

Did you know? 

Probiotics can also help. Talk to the doctor about which one you should have. 

Step 3: Begin with an elimination diet

Additionally, some studies have shown if indicated to follow a low FODMAP diet, the symptoms improve. And it’s

  • Fermentable
  • Oligo
  • Di
  • Monosaccharides
  • And
  • Polyols

Little Breakdown on IBS Diet:

Foods to eat Foods to avoid
Fruits Oranges, grapes, kiwi, blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries,  Peaches, mangoes, apples, watermelon, pears, and plums nectarines
Sweeteners Agave, stevia High fructose corn syrup, and Sorbitol, xylitol, 
Legumes Peas Chickpeas, kidney beans, and lentils
Vegetables Carrots, eggplant, pumpkin Artichokes, Brussels sprouts, onions, asparagus, and broccoli
Other foods Eggs, lean meat, oatmeal Wheat products, nuts, milk products, coffee, and alcohol

Do you have any doubts?

Schedule your initial consultation at Ludhiana Gastro & Gynae Centre to better understand what kind of diet plan to follow during IBS.