The Irritable Bowel Syndrome Diet

Irritable Bowel Syndromea (IBS) is a condition affecting 15%-20% of Americans. It is a common gastrological disorder that causes bloating, constipation, gas, and diarrhea. Because eating and digestion are inseparable, IBS symptoms can be exacerbated or relieved through careful food choice.

Dieting Goals

Unlike most diets whose goal is help the dieter lose weight, the primary goal of the Irritable Bowel Syndrome Diet is to alleviate the symptoms of IBS. The diet does this by encouraging the avoidance of foods that irritate both the stomach and colon, and replacing those foods with ones known to soothe the same organs.

Foods to Eat and Foods to Avoid

The keystone of the IBS diet is eating soluble fiber, drinking sufficient amounts of fluid, eating small meals more frequently throughout the day, and avoiding problem foods. Problem foods include dairy products, such as cheese, milk and cream, as well as caffeine, sorbitol, alcohol, and gas producing foods, such as cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, and beans. In addition, the body struggles to digest fats and certain animal products. By reducing or eliminating these problem foods, people can find success managing their IBS.

Foods known to help remedy symptoms brought by IBS include peppermint, fennel, ginger, and fiber. It is important to note that not all fiber helps relieve symptoms. Soluble fiber is the form known for aiding digestion, and passes through the digestion process in tact.

The Founder

Heather Van Vorous developed the IBS diet after many years of struggling with her own IBS symptoms. Heather developed symptoms at the age of nine and went undiagnosed until the age of 15. After many years of dealing with abdominal pain and with little guidance from medical professionals, Heather developed a program that brought her success.