There is no known cure for IBS and no diagnostic tests to determine its existence. IBS is diagnosed using criteria known as Rome II. In addition to laboratory tests to rule out other potential diseases, Rome II can help physicians determine if patients are suffering from IBS.
The most effective treatment for IBS is to manage symptoms through proper diet and exercise. Most experts agree that most meats, dairy products and egg yolks should be eliminated from the diets of individuals with IBS. They also suggest strictly limiting or eliminating the intake of processed foods, wheat products, sugar, flour, artificial sweeteners and fats, carbonated and caffeinated beverages, alcohol and tobacco products.
The first step toward creating a healthy diet for Irritable Bowel Syndrome is to change how you define a meal. Excluding vegetarians and vegans, most people think a meal revolves around meat as the main dish. Some people don’t even feel full unless they have had meat with a meal. This is a sign of addiction and will eventually pass.
When embarking on a diet for IBS, it’s important to realize that meat should be eaten sparingly. Red meat should be avoided altogether. Chicken dishes consisting of skinless, boneless, white meat, can be eaten once a week. Fish dishes can be eaten once or twice per week. One serving of chicken or fish equals 4 ounces of meat.
Individuals who consume a diet for IBS often find they have better results and less pain if they consume six small meals per day. One of the easiest ways to accomplish this is to prepare one meal; divide it in half; and consume it twice. For instance, if you normally eat breakfast at 7:00 A.M., lunch at noon and dinner at 6:00 P.M.; consider this option — eat half a normal breakfast portion at 7 and 10 A.M; half a normal lunch portion at noon and 3:00 P.M; and half a normal dinner portion at 6 and 8:00 P.M.
With the exception of breakfast, each meal you consume should include two to three servings of vegetables. Because you will be eating six small meals, this translates to twelve to eighteen servings of vegetables per day. I know, it sounds almost impossible doesn’t it? Before you panic or start to resist, remember that you are going to be replacing meat, bread, pasta and dessert with veggies. It’s also important to realize that one vegetable serving is, for the most part, only one-half of a cup. On average, there are three and one-half servings in a can of vegetables.
After breakfast, each meal you prepare should include the following:
- Two to three servings of vegetables (approximately 1 to 1-1/2 cups)
- One-half serving of starch (grain or root vegetable) (approximately 1/8 to 1/4 cup)
- One-half (complete) protein source (approximately 1-2 ounces of lean animal meat or fish, ¼ cup cooked beans, or 1 tablespoon of nuts or seeds)
- One-half essential fatty acid. (approximately 1/2 gram)
If it is not possible for you to eat six small meals and you find it necessary to stick with the three meals per day plan, each meal you prepare should include:
Three meals per day plan:
- Four to five servings of vegetables (approximately 2 to 2-1/2 cups)
- One serving of starch (grain or root vegetable) (approximately 1/4 to 1/2 cup)
- One (complete) protein source (approximately 2 to 3 ounces of lean meat or fish, 1/2 cup cooked beans, or 2 tablespoons of nuts or seeds)
- One essential fatty acid. (approximately 1 gram)
Additionally, each meal you consume should include one serving of essential fatty acids. Total essential fatty acid intake should be between 1-3 grams daily. Essential fatty acids are can be found in fish oils, flaxseeds and flaxseed oil, seeds, nuts, grains, fruits, vegetables and green leafy vegetables.
Last, but not least, it is important to understand that if your food is cooked instead of raw, you must supplement with digestive enzymes.
Enzymes are proteins. Your body can do almost nothing without enzymes. The pancreas and other glands produce digestive enzymes. They are also present in raw foods. Even though the body can manufacture digestive enzymes, it is strained to produce enough if we are not getting them from our food sources, supplements, and by chewing our food properly, which allows enzyme-rich saliva to be incorporated into the food.
If you are eating food that has been cooked or processed in any way, you need to chew your food properly and take digestive enzyme supplements with every meal.
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Alan Jensen is recognized as a leading expert on herbal irritable bowel treatment products for fast and safe irritable bowel syndrome treatment. He is a frequent contributor to irritable bowel treatment. He enjoys spending free time with his family and 3 year old German Shepherd.
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