Encyclopedia of Diets - A Guide to Health and Nutrition

These must be taken with water. They provide extra

fiber that absorbs intestinal water and helps keep the

stool soft. The extra bulk also helps move materials

through the colon.

Low residue/low fat IBS diet

For some people, the high fiber/low fat diet con-

trols both constipation and diarrhea. For others, the

high fiber foods trigger diarrhea. These individuals

may have better control of diarrhea on the low fiber/

low residue diet. This diet substitutes cooked fruits

and vegetables for raw ones and reduces the amount

of whole-grain products. Along with these changes,

the individual chooses a variety of low-fat foods.

Some foods that help control diarrhea on the low

residue IBS diet include:

applesauce

low-fat mashed potatoes

grated apples without the skin

avocado

cream of rice

smooth peanut butter

tapioca

Other eating tips to control diarrhea are:

Consume food and drink at room temperature rather

than at hot temperatures

Drink liquids between meals rather than with meals

Limit dairy products

Rest after meals. This slows down the digestive

process

Because symptoms and triggers for IBS vary

greatly, these diets are starting points for individuals

to develop their own list of foods that control their

individual symptoms. Keeping a food journal that

records what was eaten and what caused symptoms

can speed the development of a personalized IBS diet.

Benefits

In addition to controlling symptoms, the IBD

high fiber/low fat diet has several other benefits.

A high fiber/low fat diet has been proven in large

studies to lower cholesterol levels. High cholesterol

levels are directly related to heart disease.

A high fiber diet appears to help prevent type 2

diabetes

A high fiber diet helps prevent diverticulitis. In this

disease, sections of the intestine bulge out to form

pockets called diverticuli that can collect food and

become infected. Increased fiber helps materials

move more easily through the intestine and not

become trapped in these pockets.

The increased bulk of high-fiber foods helps people

feel full faster, so they may eat less, resulting in

weight loss.

Precautions

This diet is safe for anyone, although it may not

control the symptoms of IBS for every individual.

Symptoms may worsen while the individual is exper-

imenting with personalizing the food plan.

Risks

Individuals who do not drink enough water on a

high-fiber diet may develop abdominal pain and

constipation.

The amount of fiber in the diet should be

increased gradually. Increasing fiber too rapidly can

result in abdominal pain and large amounts of gas.

Research and general acceptance

This diet is accepted as healthy and often helpful

in controlling the symptoms of IBS by almost all

gastroenterologist. High-fiber diets are endorsed as

having health benefits by the American Heart Associ-

ation, the American Dietetic Association, the United

States Department of Health and Human Services,

and many individual healthcare organizations.

Resources

BOOKS

Braimbridge, Sophie and Erica Jankovich.Healthy cooking

for IBS.New York: Stewart, Tabori & Chang, 2006.

QUESTIONS TO ASK THE

DOCTOR

 Will this diet meet my long-term dietary needs?

 Should I be taking a dietary supplement? If so,

which one(s)?

 Is this diet appropriate for my whole family?

 Will I have to stay on this diet my entire life to

control my IBS symptoms?

 Does this diet pose any special risks for me that I

should be aware of?

 What are the treatment options if this diet fails to

control my symptoms?

Irritable bowel syndrome diet