Low Carb Diets and IBS

When it comes to diets, the fad these days are the low carb types. Low carb diets such as the South Beach Diet, the Atkins Diet, the Protein Power Diet and the Sugar Busters Diet are gaining in popularity. It seems that carbs are the new fat. The low fat diets of the 80s and 90s have been replaced with low carb and sometimes high fat diets. Of course, the media is partly to blame for the popularity of these diets.

There are people who claim that they are very effective especially in losing weight. Advocates of low carb diets also said that it is effective in treating other health problems. One of these health disorders is irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). But if you have IBS, you might want to read finish this article before you totally ditch all the carbs in your cupboard.

IBS is a condition characterized by abdominal pain or discomfort. To be diagnosed as IBS the pain must present two out of three characteristics: 1. First,  the pain is relieved by defecation; 2) Second, the pain is associated with a change in frequency of stool; and 3) The pain is associated with a change in the appearance or form of the stool. The person to be diagnosed as suffering from IBS must also be feeling the symptoms of IBS for 12 weeks in the previous year.

IBS has no known cure, but diet play an important role in alleviating or worsening the symptoms. There are particular foods that can trigger the symptoms of IBS. This is why it is advisable for IBS sufferers to keep a food journal so they can pinpoint what triggers these particular symptoms.

So is it advisable for IBS sufferers to go on a low carb diet? Well the quick answer is no. This is because a low carb high protein diet can worsen the condition of people with IBS. It is important for people with IBS to get enough protein, But they should never cut out carbs, especially fruits and veggies. Low carb diets can cause constipation which in turn could worsen IBS. This is why IBS sufferers are advised to increase their fiber intake. The daily recommended fiber intake is 20 to 25 grams according to the American Dietetic Association (ADA). It is estimated that 75 – 80 percent of IBS sufferers get better with added fiber in the diet. The remaining 20 percent gets worse.

But of course people with IBS should choose the type of carbohydrates they eat. They should refrain from eating highly refined foods that fill up without providing nutrients. They should limit their intake or white rice, white bread, cereals without fiber, chips and cookies. They should also avoid drinking coffee, carbonated drinks and alcoholic drinks because these beverages can make IBS constipation worse due to their dehydrating effect.

What IBS sufferers should load up on are prunes and other fruity foods that are high in the sugar sorbitol because these can lossen bowels. They should not take too much foods with sorbitol though because it could cause gas, bloating, diarrhea and cramping. Another food recommended for IBS sufferers is flaxseed. Flaxseed can be ground and sprinkled in salads, vegetables dishes and even cereals. But of course, a cheap and effective way of encouraging bowel movements is by drinking eight glasses of water and other liquids everyday.