Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a chronic condition that triggers abdominal pain and irregular bowel movements. Common triggers include fatigue, anxiety, stress, and an unbalanced diet. While typically not life-threatening, its ongoing nature can disrupt daily life. IBS rarely impacts children and adolescents, but women are affected more often than men.
Symptoms of IBS typically include:
In some cases, IBS overlaps with other conditions such as:
If you frequently experience IBS symptoms, start with lifestyle changes for relief. Steer clear of tobacco, coffee, and alcohol, which can provoke intestinal spasms. Limit chewing gum and raw vegetables that may cause abdominal discomfort. Stick to light, easily digestible foods until symptoms fully resolve.
Even after symptoms fade, give your digestive system time to recover before returning to a normal diet. Gradually reintroduce restricted foods, focusing on the most irritating ones first. The best approach is to add just one food per day to pinpoint what you tolerate well and what to limit.
In practice, begin with low-fiber vegetables like carrots, lettuce, green beans, spinach, tomatoes, asparagus, and white leeks. Next, incorporate finely grated raw vegetables (without skin), followed by ripe fruits. Finally, include pulses and fiber-rich grains.
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