Yesterday, Family Practice News published an article that may provide some great tips for those suffering with IBS this holiday season. Recent control studies found that those who followed a low-sugar diet reported an improvement in their IBS symptoms. The low-sugar diet is labeled a Low-FODMAP diet and you can view the article in its enitrety here:
No two IBS patients are exactly the same but still have life interrupted by pain and discomfort. IBS Patients Have Unique Symptoms that Need to Be Treated with Careful Listening
According to Mosby's Pocket Dictionary of Medicine, Nursing, & Allied Health, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is defined as: abnormally increased motility (power to move spontaneously) of the small and large intestines, generally associated with emotional stress. It is sometimes called Nervous Stomach or a form of Colitis.
Management of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is highly individualized because no two IBS patients are alike. According to an article in an issue of Nutrition in Complimentary Care, IBS is a combination of cramps, flatulus, bloating and irregular bowel function. Anxiety, stress, food intake and certain bacteria may encourage IBS symptoms although no cause for the condition is known.
Current treatment may include a combination of the following:
• Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT)
• Drug therapy
• Education
• Self-Monitoring - by keeping records of food intake and how the food was tolerated
• Keeping track of stimuli that may trigger symptoms
• Repeating positive affirmations to him/herself
• Decentering - considering all angles before reacting
• Delay and Distraction - considering alternate behaviors before acting on urges
• Reattribution - challenging faulty perceptions
The patient needs to trial foods that are adequate in fiber and low in fructose and typical gas producing foods like beans and cabbage. However, this can vary from patient to patient. Fiber may help increase transit time in the colon and thus help regulate bowel function. Some health professionals advocate small meals, limiting or avoiding alcohol, caffeine, and total fat intake. With the Low-FODMAP diet, reduce or eliminate sugar alcohols such as: sorbitol and xylitol, often used in foods as an artificial sweetener.
Prebiotic supplements may help the IBS patient who tends be more constipated. Prebiotics have shown to stimulate beneficial flora in the digestive tract. However, an article in Nutrition in Complimentary Care does warn that more studies need to be conducted concerning this. Discuss with your physician before starting this type of therapy.
Management of IBS should contain a combination of treatments, and be individualized with the patient being an active part of the health care team. Many IBS sufferers do not take advantage of the resources available to them and often suffer in silence. Having a doctor you're comfortable with and trust is the first step in the management of your IBS.
Be Well!
More health and nutrition information: http://www.tinardlifecoach.com
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