Diet Can Make a Difference for Irritable Bowel Syndrome
By Gina Barbetta, MS, RD, CD-N
ne in ten people suffer from ir- ritable bowel syndrome (IBS), a chronic condition with symptoms including abdominal pain, bloating and distention, excessive gas, and diarrhea and/or constipation. Although the cause of IBS is unknown, it is recognized that the enteric nervous system (ENS), a complex nervous system that controls the gut, has an intricate role. When the ENS does not function properly, it can cause extra- sensitive nerve response in the gut, known as visceral hypersensitivity and/or distur- bances in how food travels though the gut. Genetics, gut infections, psychological factors, stress, and dysbiosis; an abnormal balance of gut bacteria, are all known to contribute to the development of IBS. Certain foods, beverages, irregular eating, overeating, nicotine and alcohol use can worsen symptoms.
O Treatments for IBS
IBS is treated with diet, lifestyle modi- fications, medications and psychological therapies. Although limited in effectiveness, medication may play a role in the treatment
of symptoms associated with IBS. Yoga, clinical hypnosis, and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) are effective psychologi- cal approaches for reducing symptoms in those with and without stress induced IBS. Incorporating healthy nutrition and lifestyle choices are the first steps towards managing IBS. Smoking cessation, limiting alcohol and caffeine, along with exercise are lifestyle changes with positive impact for IBS suf- ferers. A balanced diet void of known food triggers and limited in processed and high fat foods is advised. Eliminating beverages with high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) such as soda and apple juice/cider containing naturally occurring sugar alcohols are key dietary interventions. Establishing a regular eating pattern with small frequent meals and snacks is recommended. These mini meals should be rich in natural fiber and accom- panied with adequate fluids. Meals should be consumed slowly and mindfully in a low stress environment.
The FODMAP Diet If adequate symptom relief is not achieved with the previously described first
line interventions, a trial of the low FOD- MAP diet is appropriate. Developed specifi- cally for the management of IBS, FODMAP is a collective term for short-chain carbohy- drates that are incompletely absorbed in the small intestine. The acronym stands for Fer- mentable Oligosaccharides, Disaccharides, Monosaccharides, And Polyols (FODMAP).
Fermentable refers to the process
through which gut bacteria breakdown undigested carbohydrates to produce gas in your intestines leading to abdominal dis- comfort. Oligosaccharides are made of fruc- tans and galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS). Fructans are found in wheat, rye, onion and garlic. GOS are in legumes and pulses. Disaccharides refers to carbohydrates composed of two sugars. Many people are intolerant to lactose, a common disac- charide found in dairy products. Monosac- charides are simple sugars such as fructose and glucose. Fructose is absorbed optimally in the presence of enough glucose. Con- suming foods that are high in fructose but low in glucose (for example, honey, apples and high-fructose corn syrups) can cause
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