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what do you eat? - Managing IBS

Top 5 Tips
For managing IBS


Managing IBS is not all about avoiding certain foods. Sometimes other basics changes can help just as much.  These small changes helped both my mum and I lessen our symptoms. 

1: Caffeine

Avoid caffeine, it's a stimulant and not great if u have a sensitive digestive system or bladder.  Switching to decaffeinated really does help reduce IBS symptoms. 

2: Soft drinks

Avoid soft drinks. Carbonated drinks are gassy and either overloaded with sugar or made with artificial sweeteners.  

Artificial sweeteners can also be an IBS trigger. Consuming too much of them can have a laxative affect. 

3: High fat food

Ditch the deep fried food, and oven bake instead.  Too much fatty food isn't great for any diet. However it have a worse effect on those of us with IBS.  Baked instead of fried food might take longer but it tastes just as great.  

Try chopping a large potato or sweet potato into wedges. Spray with or toss in a little oil and sprinkle with salt & pepper. Bake for 20 - 30 mins. It's easy to make, takes very little prep and tastes just as great as chips. 

4: Ready meals

The best ready meals are the ones you make yourself.  Pre-made ready meals are full of additives, too many of these so have an adverse affect on IBS.  

If your looking for a quick meal, try eggs, pasta or have breakfast for dinner.  Eggs boiled, scrambled or poached only take 10 minutes. Pasta is the same, stir through pesto or sundried tomato paste for a quick evening meal.  Or uses your own homemade tomato pasta sauce.

For the ultimate I've had a bad day and really don't want too cook meal  - for me is cereal.  Cornflakes during the summer and porridge in the winter. 

5: Eat your 5 a day

Sounds boring but eating your 5 fruit and vegetables a day and drinking plenty water really does help reduce digestive problems. Watch which ones you eat though.  

There are 2 main types of IBS 

- constipation = high fibre food

- diarrhoea = low fibre foods

- If you have alternating constipation  & diarrhoea check with doctor for recommended foods to eat. As with all IBS Don' t self diagnosis yourself. Always check with your Doctor first, there are other digestive problems that could be causing the same symptoms. 



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