Written By: Tania Tarafdar | Updated : July 15, 2016 9:50 AM IST
Read this in HINDI
If you suffer from Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), your sensitive gut may react adversely to certain foods. While medical intervention is necessary, your diet can help manage IBS symptoms. Just follow these guidelines by nutritionist Dr Neha Gupta, Fortis Hospital, Delhi to improve your gut health.
Eat soluble fibre: Eating foods rich in soluble fibre is an excellent way to reduce IBS symptoms such as diarrhoea and constipation and maintain smooth running of the digestive system. You may experience bloating due to increased fibre intake, so stick to only soluble fibre found in vegetables and fruits instead of grains and beans.
Keep your diet gluten-free: If you are gluten intolerant, you may experience IBS. So eliminate barley, wheat and rye from your diet and see if your symptoms improve.
Steer clear of caffeine, carbonated beverages and alcohol: Caffeine can stimulate gastrointestinal system leading to contractions and more bowel movements. Moreover, it can worsen dehydration caused by diarrhoea. Carbonated beverages can also lead to a lot of gas and discomfort. Alcohol can also irritate the gastrointestinal system and lead to dehydration.
Avoid fatty foods: Too much intake of dietary fat can lead to a condition called steatorrhea which is marked by foul-smelling stools and is sometimes painful. Fats can also increase contractions in the colon and lead to more bowel movements. Instead of eating fried foods and animal fats, focus on fruits, vegetables and lean meat.
Avoid gassy foods: Gassy foods such as broccoli, beans, cabbage and cauliflower can lead to painful attacks of gas. Also, limit your intake of onion and garlic. Also, while beans can increase the bulk in your stool if you suffer from constipation, it can also lead to bloating. So it is best you avoid them. Did you know these causes of bloating and abdominal gas?
Say no to dairy: Avoid dairy as it can lead to flatulence and worsen IBS symptoms. You can still eat yoghurt and switch to lactose-free milk. Make sure you talk to your doctor about your calcium supplement if you choose to avoid dairy.
You can reduce the IBS symptoms by never skipping your breakfast and eating smaller meals instead of three big ones.
Nutritionist Prema Kodical shares a meal plan to deal with IBS.
Remember to drink at least eight glasses water along and plenty of fluids in the form of nimbu pani, coconut water, and buttermilk.
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