28/10/2025
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a common digestive disorder that affects the large intestine, leading to discomfort and changes in bowel movements. It is a chronic condition with varying symptoms like- diarrhea, bloating, constipation, Irregularities or changes in bowel habits, mucus in stool, abdominal pain and cramping.
The key to managing IBS lies not only in medications but also in your food choices. According to several research findings, a low-FODMAP diet has been proven to reduce IBS symptoms by 50-80%.
By making some simple adjustments like- increasing fiber intake by 20-30g per day, staying hydrated, and incorporating probiotics for gut health; patient can significantly improve their overall quality of life.
A low-FODMAP diet is best choice for IBS. Here are some options for good meals for IBS:
• Grilled chicken with rice
• Oatmeal with bananas
• Baked fish with steamed carrots
• Lactose-free yogurt with berries
• Quinoa salad with cucumbers
High-FODMAP foods like- onions, garlic, beans, wheat, dairy, fried foods, artificial sweeteners, caffeine and carbonated drinks can trigger bloating, diarrhea, and stomach discomfort in IBS patients. Since different people have different trigger food the ‘foods to be avoided’ and ‘foods to be take’ also varies from patient to patient.
Managing IBS with diet also involves choosing gentle cooking methods like- steaming, boiling, grilling, baking while avoiding fried foods. This can help reduce IBS flare-ups and reducing irritation to the gut.
Lifestyle changes, such as stress management, mindful eating, and regular exercise, eating smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day and eating slowly can further help alleviate symptoms.
Seek help from a clinical dietician for making adjustment of your diet and lifestyle according to your concern.
-Clinical Dietician Sanzida