Making The Change To An Irritable Bowel Diet

Anyone that suffers from Irritable Bowel Syndrome (also known as IBS) is well aware that there are certain foods that will 'trigger' an attack. These triggers are individual specific, making a blanket Irritable Bowel Diet less useful. People that suffer from this ailment are able to take the basic information known about trigger foods and then apply and adjust this diet to their specific needs.

It sounds difficult and confusing at first, but as one researches and learns how to use this information to his or her advantage, life can finally get back to normal. No more days spent in the bathroom suffering through cramps, gas, bloating, diarrhea and constipation pain.

Unfortunately this is a long term condition, but luckily it can be modified through diet and lifestyle. Changing your lifestyle is never easy but by doing this and implementing an Irritable Bowel Diet, one is able to make this disorder manageable. Lifestyle changes include getting regular exercise, keeping your stress under control and recognizing foods that trigger episodes. By keeping a food diary with the symptoms that follow the foods you have eaten, you can easily see which foods tend to cause you the greatest trouble.

Once you have identified your trigger foods through your diary, you are ready to begin adjusting your diet to decrease Irritable Bowel Syndrone and get back to your life. The goal now, is to eliminate or at least eat in moderation the foods that are triggering your problem. Although sticking to an Irritable Bowel Diet seems like it may be a difficult task, it is well worth the benefits.

Just going through life without the pain and discomfort of cramping, gas, bloating, diarrhea and constipation makes the effort of changing a positive experience. Knowing that 15% - 20% of Americans suffer from Irritable Bowl Syndrome, lets you know that you are not alone in this life time struggle.

Many sufferers find that there are general categories that certain foods fall under. Foods that tend to worsen diarrhea include caffeine and alcohol especially on an empty stomach. Milk and milk products cause an increase in diarrhea and related discomforts. Fatty foods and gas producing foods (beans and cabbage) will also cause diarrhea.

These are, of course, good foods to avoid. If you find yourself suffering from constipation, there are a few things that you can do to help relieve this. By, carefully adding fiber to your diet, drinking adequate amounts of water and getting regular exercise can help reduce the incidences of constipation.