Your IBS Diet

Eating for Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Since no two bodies are the same, there is no one-size-fits-all IBS diet. However, with some basic information about how your body works and what your body needs, you can begin to develop a diet that maximizes your chances of easing your IBS symptoms. This comprehensive guide as to all aspects of the relationship between food and your digestive system will turn you into an IBS diet expert and help you to make the healthiest food choices for your body.

Basic Tools

Regardless of your field of expertise, it is important to make sure that you have the best tools in your kit. In order to become an expert on your own personal IBS diet, you will need to know how to keep a food diary and how to follow an elimination diet.

How to Keep a Food Diary

The best way to begin to have a deeper understanding of the relationship between food and your body is through the use of a food diary. This simple record of what you eat and how you feel can help you to identify problematic food, as well as other factors, such as stress, that may be contributing to your symptoms.

How to Follow an Elimination Diet

The only way to know for sure if a food is a trigger for your IBS is to try an elimination diet. An elimination diet involves tracking foods you suspect may trigger your IBS and cutting them out of your diet entirely for a period of time.

Food Allergies and Intolerances

Although food allergies and intolerances are relatively rare, there is a chance that your IBS symptoms are the result of your body’s own difficulty with a specific food. The following articles will educate you about food allergies and intolerances and their possible role in your IBS.

Food Allergy or Intolerance?

Many people get confused by the difference between a food allergy and a food intolerance. The basic difference is that a food allergy triggers an immune system response, while an intolerance is due to an inability for the GI system to digest a particular food.

Food Allergies and IBS

There is some limited research that food allergies are a potential reason behind IBS symptoms for some individuals. If you suspect that you suffer from a food allergy, speak with your doctor. They are likely to recommend the use of an elimination diet followed by a re-introduction of the suspected food for confirmation.

Eating for IBS

Although IBS can manifest itself in markedly different ways for each individual sufferer, there are some guidelines that can be applied to all. Here are the basics:

How to Eat with IBS

Although most IBS patients worry about what to eat, how you are eating can also serve to help or worsen your IBS symptoms. Learn some simple changes that you can make depending on your specific digestive symptoms.

Top Ten GI Irritants

Certain foods have a reputation for being particularly difficult on digestive systems. If your IBS is acting up, these would be the foods to avoid until your system has calmed down.

Eating for Diarrhea

The urgency and disruptiveness of diarrhea often seems to prompt a desperate scramble for safe foods. Learn what to eat, how to eat, and what not to eat when you have diarrhea.

Diarrhea: What to Eat When You Are Feeling Awful

Certain foods lend themselves to a feeling of comfort when your system is acting up. This is where the old-fashioned BRAT diet is the most helpful.

What Not to Eat for Diarrhea

If you are suffering from diarrhea, the last thing you want to do is to eat something that is going to make you feel worse. Here are the foods you should avoid when you have diarrhea.

How to Eat When You Have Diarrhea

Learn some quick tips for eating in a way that is calming to your system.

Readers’ Tips for Eating with Diarrhea

Sometimes the best solutions come from those who are on the front lines. Learn what others eat when they are suffering from diarrhea.

Readers' Tips: Foods to Avoid with Diarrhea

Find out what foods other people avoid when they have diarrhea.

Eating for Constipation

I know, you’ve heard it before – to ease constipation you need to eat more fiber. Fiber is important in easing constipation, so it’s important to learn how to incorporate high fiber foods into your daily diet. But, fiber isn't the whole story...

What to Eat for Constipation

Here you will find a variety of foods that are thought to be helpful in easing constipation.

How to Eat When You Have Constipation

It’s not all about what you eat. How you eat can also affect the movement of your bowels. Learn some quick tips for eating in a way that helps your system to get going.

Readers' Tips for Eating for Constipation

Find out what foods other people turn to when they need to ease constipation, and share your favorite "food for constipation" tip.

Five Simple Rules for Adding Fiber to Your Diet

Adding fiber to your diet doesn't have to be a complicated process. Here are some simple, everyday guidelines for increasing your fiber intake.

Eating for Gas and Bloating

If you frequently suffer from gas and bloating, you might want to take a closer look at the foods you are eating.

Top Six Gassy Foods

Here you will find a list of foods most likely to contribute to intestinal gas.

Non Gassy Foods

If you have a special occasion and want a sense of peace of mind, choose these foods who have the least potential for triggering unwanted gas.

What is Your Most Gassy Food?

Sometimes it is helpful to know what foods cause a problem for others. It can also help to remind each of us that we are not the only one who experiences embarrassing digestive symptoms. Share your most gassy food and find out what triggers intestinal gas in others.

How to Eat When You Have Gas and Bloating

Here are some easy guidelines as to how to eat to ease intestinal gas and reduce bloating.