CONTENTS

• Irritable bowel syndrome – what exactly is it?
• Diet for irritable bowel syndrome
• What should you avoid if you have irritable bowel syndrome?

Digestive problems, such as constipation, diarrhea, pain, and bloating, are common. Everyone experiences these symptoms. However, if you experience them relatively frequently, you may be suffering from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Read on to learn what this annoying condition is and how to manage it.

Irritable bowel syndrome – what exactly is it?

According to the definition of the Institute of Food and Nutrition, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a dysfunction of the intestine characterized by abdominal discomfort or pain associated with bowel movements or a change in bowel habits, and abnormal bowel movements. In other words, it encompasses any disorder of the digestive system for which there is no diagnosed cause. These include: recurrent abdominal pain, discomfort due to changes in bowel function, diarrhea and constipation, sometimes alternating, bloating, inability to complete a bowel movement, and abnormally formed stools.

Most of us have experienced this type of illness before, but most of the time we know the cause. Sometimes it's because you ate something stale, other times it's because you ate too much. However, if we don't know the cause and diagnosis isn't possible through tests, and the symptoms persist, it's very likely that we can speak of irritable bowel syndrome. It is most common in people between the ages of 20 and 55, and is two to three times more common in women than in men. Patients with irritable bowel syndrome are more sensitive to external stimuli such as stress, food ingredients (e.g. lactose, fructose, sorbitol), and products that increase gas production in the intestines or fat in food.

If the symptoms described apply to you and persist for more than three months, consider another aspect of their occurrence. Don't these symptoms worsen in stressful situations, such as a difficult time at work or difficult moments in your personal life, and then subside when the stressor disappears or you temporarily stop dealing with it? Patients with irritable bowel syndrome often admit that they struggle with symptoms every day, but when they go on vacation, the symptoms subside. This means that stress significantly worsens the condition.

Diet for irritable bowel syndrome

The diet of a patient with irritable bowel syndrome usually depends on their individual reactions to food. The most important thing in this situation is to observe one's own body. Food diaries, in which one can record the foods consumed and the symptoms that occur afterward, are very helpful. However, it should be remembered that irritable bowel syndrome is a very specific condition. Sometimes something that causes us pain once may no longer cause problems. It often depends on many external factors.

However, there are some rules that should be followed regardless of the illness. First, we should prepare easily digestible meals that ensure an adequate supply of vitamins and minerals . The food should not be very hot or very cold. They should be eaten in a quiet atmosphere. It is better to eat smaller meals more frequently than large ones, as these can aggravate the symptoms. It is also recommended to take a short rest after eating. Only in cases of severe diarrhea should a more severe dietary restriction be implemented for a short time, in the form of a porridge diet for several days. It is also important to drink the right amount of still water: 1.5–2 liters per day.

Below is a list of foods you should most likely avoid if you suffer from irritable bowel syndrome. However, always keep in mind that this is a condition that causes very individual symptoms, so not all ingredients on the list may be unsuitable for you. You may also need to add to this list those products that cause you discomfort but are neutral for many other patients.

What should you avoid if you have irritable bowel syndrome?

• fatty meat and sausages, e.g. sausages and offal, pates, canned and pork meat, fatty beef, geese, ducks),
• fried and steamed dishes, previously fried,
• Flatulent products, e.g., cabbage, pulses (beans, peas, broad beans), cabbage, onions, garlic
• too much vegetables and fruit
• bran
• fresh wheat bread
• strong coffee and tea
• Chocolate and cocoa (especially for people with constipation)
• Carbonated drinks and drinks containing sorbitol and fructose
• alcohol
• chewing gum