DIAGNOSIS IS IMPORTANT
Occasional symptoms like those experienced with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) may occur in almost everyone, without being caused by IBS. Actual IBS may be diagnosed by a doctor when these symptoms have occurred at least three times per month for six months or more. In this case, it is important to see a physician, to be sure that IBS, and not another condition, is the problem.
Source: http://www.aboutibs.org/site/living-with-ibs/. Accessed December 2014.
CERTAIN FOODS AND NUTRIENTS CAN HELP WITH SYMPTOMS
Foods rich in dietary fiber, but with lower contents of certain sugars like fructose and lactose can often help with irritable bowel syndrome. Examples of such foods include low lactose dairy like cream cheese, hard cheeses and yogurt; fruits like bananas, blueberries, and grapes; vegetables like bell peppers, cucumbers, and spinach; and many kinds of meat.
GET RID OF FOODS THAT CAUSE PROBLEMS
Patients who suffer from regular constipation or diarrhea might have irritable bowel syndrome, a common gastrointestinal condition.
Anywhere between 10 and 15 percent of adults suffer from IBS, and only around half of these are diagnosed. The most common symptoms are diarrhea, constipation, bloating, abdominal pain and other troubles related to bowel movements and the GI tract.*
While the exact causes of this condition are not well understood, diet, stress and the bacteria living in the gut are potential factors that trigger IBS symptoms. Even internal factors such as how the brain and gut communicate, genetics and the level of certain hormones and other chemicals might be involved in IBS. Because both internal and external factors influence IBS, lifestyle and nutrition habits can affect the condition.
So while certain foods or diets can make IBS worse, specific foods may improve this condition. By avoiding foods that trigger IBS symptoms, keeping track of what is eaten and eating beneficial nutrients such as fiber, discomfort can be reduced. Medications may also be helpful, and new research on the benefits of probiotics shows that these may be effective in helping people with IBS as well. GI health is a primary area of focus at Nestlé Health Science, and we are committed to finding and providing nutritional therapies to patients suffering from GI conditions such as IBS.1
Nestlé Health Science has recently launched http://www.lowfodmapcentral.com a Comprehensive resource offering information about FODMAPs and a Low FODMAP Diet. View this video report with leading scientists and dietitians in the field sharing knowledge breakthroughs and best practices.
1. http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/ibs/. Accessed December 2014.
*Listed symptoms are not all-inclusive; actual patient symptoms may vary.