Eating With IBS: Diet, & Nutrition for Irritable Bowel Syndrome
It is time we have a talk about IBS or Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Now, some shy away from this subject—or worse—they ignore it completely. Well, it is time for an open discussion about the topic, and how to relieve some of the symptoms.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome is an intestinal disorder that causes abdominal pain, cramping, gas, and diarrhea or constipation. IBS is a long-term chronic condition. In no way do the symptoms go away indefinitely once diagnosed. Unfortunately, it is unknown what causes this syndrome. It is believed that diet, stress, mental health, bacteria buildup, and intestinal inflammation all play a part in the development of the disorder and the severity of its symptoms. Though there aren’t any sure and easy cures, there are ways to lessen symptoms. One way in particular is changing your current diet.
Changing your diet is not an antidote for IBS, it is merely an option to lessen symptoms. However, people who have tried low FODMAP diets as a preferred way of eating with IBS; and many have recorded positive changes in their IBS symptoms.
When eaten, FODMAP foods cause extreme discomfort in IBS patients.
• FODMAP Foods:
• Dairy Products
• Citrus Fruits
• Wheat Products
• Beans
• Carbonated Drinks
Though a patient might feel discomfort from ingesting these foods, there is no possible way to cut out all FODMAPs from a diet, only to reduce the amount. However, even the possibility of reducing symptoms is a worthwhile venture.
What is a FODMAP?
FODMAPs are foods that are,”osmotically active, rapidly fermentable, short-chain carbohydrates.” The acronym itself stands for:
• Fermentable
• Oligosaccharides (Fructans and Galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS))
• Disaccharides (Lactose)
• Monosaccharides (Fructose)
• And
• Polyols (Sorbitol, Mannitol, Maltitol, Xylitol and Isomalt)
For those of us who don’t speak science, this information means that certain foods have molecules that cannot be absorbed by those with weak digestive systems. When we eat, our chewed food first goes to the small intestine and then to the large intestine by way of the digestive tract. When someone who has IBS eats any of the above FODMAPS, the food goes to the small intestine, but the molecules are not absorbed. Because the small intestine cannot absorb those molecules, the food travels to the large intestine where it acts as fertilizer for pesky bacteria. Some species of stomach bacteria are good for the digestive system and help with digestion, like species that help with digestion, like microflora. However, a build-up of microflora, or even harmful bacteria growth, can cause pain in IBS patients.
What causes IBS?
IBS can also be caused by hormones, stress, and issues within the nervous system. Though medical professionals do not know exactly how someone develops IBS, there is a pattern among patients. It is often that young people (ages under 50) and those with mental health history in their backgrounds are more prone to IBS. Females are also more prone to IBS caused either by their stress levels or hormonal changes.
People to Help
Some businesses seek to improve the livelihood of people suffering from IBS. For example, Casa de Sante is an online food distributing company that sells produce and dietary plans that foster low FODMAP principles. Founder of Casa de Sante, Onyx Adegbola MD Ph.D., has taken measures to greatly help people with digestive food or autoimmune disorders. Not only has she created a site where patients can access low FODMAP foods with ease, she has also written and published a low FODMAP cookbook to further direct patients to eating in a better way.
If you are at all interested in a low FODMAP diet, or find yourself struggling with the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, visit Casa de Sante online today. A team of physicians and nutritional specialists have prepared an online store fit for your exact needs.
Hope you found this Eating With IBS: Diet, & Nutrition for Irritable Bowel Syndrome post helpful!
