Is Diet Key to Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Thu, 20 Oct 2011

Between 10 and 20 per cent of the population suffer from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

This means that there are over 7 million Brits who regularly endure its effects, that is, bloating, excess wind, stomach pains, constipation, diarrhoea, nausea and fatigue.

Stress also plays a part in triggering this condition.

Drug treatment is often not successful for IBS however, a diet plan called FODMAPs, which is low in sugar, is proving to be an effective treatment for lots of IBS sufferers.

Three quarters of those who have tried the diet, developed in Australia by nutritionist Dr Sue Shepherd and gastroenterologist Professor Peter Gibson have reported a radical improvement in symptoms.

In early October UK researchers reported that patients who were on a low FODMAP diet showed better control of their IBS symptoms than those who adhered to the standard dietary advice.

The low FODMAP diet restricts: apples, pears, apricots, mangoes, watermelon and blackberries. As alternatives you can have: bananas, oranges, grapes, blueberries and tomatoes.

Restricted carbohydrates include: white bread, multigrain bread, white pasta and lots of cereals. Alternative carbohydrates include gluten-free bread and cereals, noodles, rice, oats and polenta.

Restricted vegetables are avocados, sugar snaps, mushrooms, cauliflower and peas. Alternative vegegtables include broccoli, carrots green beans, olives and sweet potatoes.

Restricted milk products include ice-cream, custard, cream, yoghurt and cottage cheese. Alternatives include rice milk, lactose-free milk, hard cheeses, margarine and butter.

Should you consider you suffer from IBS, it is crucial that you visit your GP.
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