Everyday Habits that Contribute to IBS Symptoms
Over 60% of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) patients report a significant reduction in symptoms after trialing the low FODMAP diet with the guidance of a qualified registered dietitian. While considering this option, check to see if a few routine behaviors may also be contributing to your symptoms.
The National Institute of Health Care and Excellence (NICE), offers a checklist worth investigating. You could become one of the 40% of IBS patients who report significant improvement simply by making a few daily adjustments. Take a moment to ask yourself the following questions:
- Do I eat at regular intervals, avoiding long gaps between eating?
- Am I taking the time to eat at a modest pace?
- Am I drinking at least 8 cups of fluid per day, especially water or other non-caffeinated drinks (e.g. herbal teas)?
- Do I drink more than 3 cups of coffee or tea per day?
- Could alcohol and/or carbonated beverages be triggering my symptoms?
- Do I eat large portions of high roughage foods such as popcorn, wheat bran, legumes or cruciferous vegetables?
- Do I eat processed and/or fast food on a regular basis?
- Does my fresh fruit intake exceed to 3 servings per day (one serving = ~1/2 cup)?
- Do I chew gum, eat mints, sip diet drinks or other “diet products” with artificial sweeteners or sugar alcohols that end in the letters -ol (erythritol, xylitol, sorbitol…)?
- People with gas and bloating may find it helpful to eat oats and up to 1 tablespoon of linseeds per day.
Source: McKenzie et al. Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics. 2016;29(5):549-575
If you or someone you know would like to learn more about the profound effects that nutrition, stress, supplements, and medications have on health, please contact us today. We have a fantastic team of gastroenterologists, registered dietitians, nurse practitioners and a behavioral health counselor to help improve your quality of life. MANY OF THESE SERVICES ARE LIKELY TO BE COVERED BY INSURANCE. Please call us at 224-407-4400 or email [email protected].