Irritable bowel syndrome, (IBS) also known as irritable colon, is a common intestinal disorder that causes pain in the abdomen, bloating, diarrhea, or constipation. IBS is a group of intestinal symptoms that may occur together. The symptoms may last anywhere from a few months to a few days, varying from person to person. Although IBS isn’t a life threat, it can change your life and have a lasting impact on your daily life. The four main types of IBS are- 

  • IBS-C (IBS with constipation )  
  • IBS-D (IBS with diarrhea) 
  • IBS-M (Mixed IBS a condition that alternates between constipation and diarrhea) 
  • IBS-U (Unsubtyped IBS a condition that is totally different from any of the above-mentioned types) 

If you have any one of these conditions, then it’s advisable to consult a Gastroenterologist in Faridabad.   

Symptoms of IBS 

The symptoms of irritable bowel disease may vary from person to person however, they last for a long duration of time. Some of them are as follows-  

  • Severe diarrhea 
  • Constipation 
  • Constipation with altering diarrhea 
  • Stomach cramps 
  • Bloating 
  • Mucus in your bowels 
  • Changes in the appearance of your bowels 
  • Fatigue  
  • Food intolerance 

If you persistently experience these symptoms or if you have irritable bowel syndrome with weight loss you should consult the best gastroenterologist in India or best liver specialist in Delhi ncr.  She is also the best gastroenterologist in Uttarakhand, best gastroenterologist in Faridabad or stomach doctor in faridabad , liver specialist in Jhansi, best liver specialist doctor in Patna Bihar and liver specialist doctor in Gurgaon.

Causes of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) 

The exact cause of IBS is not known, however, some of the possible causes are given below – 

  • Stress 
  • Infection 
  • Nervous system 
  • Muscle contractions 

If you have an underlying liver condition along with IBS, you may teleconsult a liver doctor or talk to a gastroenterologist online.

Diet for Irritable Bowel Syndrome  

The food that you eat can have a great effect on your condition. Hence, it is necessary that you have a proper irritable bowel syndrome diet plan. Some foods can trigger IBS, and they can make your symptoms worse. Here are a few diet suggestions that may help you ease your symptoms – 

  • High Fiber Diet- Foods that are rich in fiber can be really beneficial for your bowel movements. Fiber adds up to your stools and helps in movement. It is usually recommended that one increases their fiber intake by 15 to 30 grams per day. This can help in regulating your stool and easing stomach pain. Some of the fiber-rich foods that you should add to your diet are- fruits such as berries, pears, lemons, oranges, etc. vegetables such as broccoli, carrots, sweetcorn, whole grains, nuts, and seeds. However, if you experience bloating, then you should go easy on yourself and focus on having soluble fiber found in fruits. 
  • Gluten-Free diet – Gluten is a protein usually found in certain food grains such as rye, wheat, etc. People who are sensitive to gluten or have gluten allergies may develop symptoms of IBS. Thus, it’s better to stir away gluten. A gluten-free diet is believed to improve irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhoea symptoms. You can substitute gluten products with other nutritious food alternatives such as quinoa, sorghum, oats, etc. 
  • Low-fat Diet- High-fat foods can worsen the symptoms of IBS. Thus, it is usually recommended that you avoid consuming such foods and switch to a low-fat diet. A low-fat diet has several health benefits. It is not only good for your heart but also for your bowel movements. You may switch to eating leafy greens, beans, and legumes, fruits, etc. 
  • Low FODMAP diet- A low FODMAP diet is a diet designed for people with IBS. It can help in relieving the symptoms of IBS. Low FODMAP stands for “Fermentable Oligosaccharides, Disaccharides, Monosaccharides, and Polyols.” Limiting the consumption of such foods may help in reducing the symptoms of IBS and improving your overall condition. You may consult and take guidance from counseling services for a proper low FODMAP diet. 
  • Elimination diet- An elimination focuses on avoiding food, and assessing if specific food contributes to Irritable bowel syndrome. Elimination diet in the actual sense is a test to know how certain foods affect your symptoms. One needs to keep a track of the food eaten and the symptoms or their experience throughout the elimination phase. After having the food tracked, and monitoring your tolerance to those foods, you can reintroduce foods to your diet. The aim of the elimination diet is to monitor your tolerance to specific foods and finding food that is suitable for yourself and maximizing the intake of nutrients.

Finding a diet that perfectly suits you can be difficult because everyone’s body is different, so is their condition. Thus for a more personalized diet plan, you may consult a food pipe specialist. 

Irritable Bowel Syndrome Treatment 

Irritable bowel syndrome treatment depends from person to person. Since the symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome last for several days and weeks, the main focus of the treatment is to relieve the symptoms. Many people do this by managing their diet or with some medications. However, it’s advisable to seek help from a professional. Consult the best hepatologist in Patna and get proper treatment for IBS.