Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common condition that affects the digestive system, leading to symptoms like bloating, constipation, stomach cramps, and diarrhea. IBS is usually a lifelong problem and cannot be cured, but it can be managed effectively through regular medication and following simple dietary tips. Let’s look at a few dietary tips for people with IBS:

• High-fiber diet: Fiber is an extremely important nutrient to manage IBS. By adding bulk to the stool, fiber facilitates its movement through the digestive tract. An average adult must consume 20 to 35 grams of fiber every day to manage IBS, so high-fiber foods like fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and such should be included in the diet. These food items also help prevent constipation, but if one experiences too much bloating due to an increase in fiber intake, they can eat fruits and vegetables to meet their requirements for fiber.
• Low-fiber diet: Alternatively, increasing fiber intake heavily can worsen the symptoms in some people, causing excessive gas and diarrhea. In such cases, one can consume soluble fiber found in foods like apples, carrots, berries, and oatmeal. Some common sources of insoluble fiber are broccoli, whole grains, cabbage, raisins, and nuts. One of the most helpful dietary tips for people with IBS is to switch to dietary sources of soluble fiber if they experience bloating or gas after fiber consumption.
• Gluten-free diet: When it comes to helpful dietary tips to manage IBS, patients can consider following a gluten-free diet. Gluten is a type of protein found in foods like pasta and bread, and it can affect the functioning of the intestines in people who are intolerant to it. Many a time, gluten intolerance is also the reason for IBS, so patients are advised to avoid the consumption of grains like wheat, rye, and barley to alleviate the symptoms.
• Low-fat diet: Excessive consumption of fats can lead to severe health issues, including the development of IBS or the worsening of its symptoms. Following a low-fat diet is not only good for the heart but also helps alleviate the symptoms of IBS, so it’s best to avoid the consumption of fried foods and animal fats.
• Low-FODMAP diet: FODMAP is an acronym for fermentable oligo-, di-, mono-saccharides, and polyols, which are carbohydrates that are difficult to digest. These carbs pull a lot of water into the bowel, making people with IBS experience more bloating, gas, and diarrhea. In a low-FODMAP diet, foods like legumes, lactose, high-fructose corn syrup, artificial sweeteners, cashews and pistachios, wheat-based pasta and bread, and certain fruits and vegetables are to be avoided to help manage IBS.

Different people react to various diets in different ways, and one must examine their symptoms and talk to their doctor before starting any new diet.