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May 11

What Is the Best IBS-D Diet? Foods to Include or Limit – Healthgrades

Irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea (IBS-D) is a gastrointestinal condition. While theres no set IBS-D diet, some foods can either alleviate symptoms or trigger them. Trigger foods may include processed foods and foods high in certain carbohydrates. Treatment for IBS-D aims to relieve symptoms and reduce the impact of any causes. This can include modifying your diet to avoid triggers.

This article discusses diets for IBS supported by research. It also explains the foods to include or limit to help treat IBS-D.

Inflammation may trigger or worsen IBS symptoms.

As a result, reducing the amount of inflammatory foods you eat may help manage symptoms of IBS.

You can adopt a more anti-inflammatory diet by:

Read more about anti-inflammatory diets and foods.

A low FODMAP diet is often used to manage symptoms of IBS. A low FODMAP diet involves avoiding or reducing the intake of foods high in FODMAPs.

FODMAPs are a group of carbohydrates that are poorly absorbed in the small intestine. They can trigger symptoms of IBS-D. The letters in FODMAP stand for different types of carbohydrates:

A 2021 meta-analysis suggests that a low FODMAP diet improves overall IBS symptoms. Researchers also observe that, with this diet, the bowel habits of adults with IBS-D improve, such as with stool consistency and frequency.

Additionally, low FODMAP diets can be personalized to your individual needs and trigger foods. A 2021 analysis suggests that 2 out of 3 people using a personalized low FODMAP diet reported adequate relief of symptoms after 12 months.

However, not everyone may experience improvements with a low FODMAP diet. Also, low FODMAP diets can reduce foods containing important nutrients and can require a lot of planning.

Work with your doctor or a registered dietitian to evaluate whether a low FODMAP diet may help you. They can also provide detailed guidance on how to follow a low FODMAP diet appropriately and based on your needs.

Learn more about the benefits and risks of low FODMAP diets.

The following are some examples of high FODMAP foods to avoid.

Trigger foods can vary per person. However, foods that tend to trigger symptoms for many people may include:

High FODMAP foods can include:

See more examples of high and low FODMAP foods.

Contact a doctor before making significant dietary changes

Always talk with your doctor or a registered dietitian for advice before making any significant dietary changes.

While some diets may be beneficial for IBS-D, they can eliminate important nutrients. Additionally, each person may respond to a diet differently. Due to this, it is important to only make significant dietary changes following personal advice from a doctor or dietitian.

According to a 2022 review, the following food types may be helpful for managing the symptoms of IBS-D:

Examples of low FODMAP foods and foods that may contain soluble fiber include:

Other foods and products to try may include:

Soluble fiber can help improve IBS-D symptoms such as stool consistency, bloating, and gas. By contrast, high levels of insoluble fiber may also worsen symptoms for some people.

There is no one recommended fiber intake level for IBS-D. However, the American Academy of Nutrients and Dietetics suggests consuming about 14 grams of soluble and insoluble fiber for every 1,000 calories you eat per day. However, appropriate levels can vary per person.

Read more about high fiber foods and recommended intake levels.

Still, everyones triggers for IBS-D can vary. Its recommended to work with your doctor or a registered dietitian to develop an individualized diet plan that works best for you. They can help you identify trigger foods and create a customized diet plan to manage your IBS-D symptoms effectively.

Different foods and factors may contribute to each persons IBS-D, so other dietary approaches may have benefits.

For example, a 2021 review suggests that a gluten-free or wheat-free diet may help people with IBS-D who experience celiac disease or gluten and wheat sensitivities. Some people without a diagnosed gluten or wheat sensitivity may also experience worse symptoms after eating these foods. Symptoms may improve with a gluten-free or wheat-free diet.

However, doctors may not recommend a gluten-free or wheat-free diet unless you have been diagnosed with a sensitivity, or it appears to be a trigger food for you.

Studies also suggest that a ketogenic diet or a very low carbohydrate diet (VLCD) may help alleviate symptoms of IBS. Researchers from the 2021 review discuss a 2009 study that suggests that a VLCD may relieve symptoms, reduce abdominal pain, and improve bowel movements.

However, more recent research may be necessary to confirm the effects of both ketogenic diets and VLCD on IBS-D.

Being on a specific diet can sometimes be challenging or require planning.

The following approaches may help you when following a specific diet and when trying to improve your IBS-D symptoms:

Learn more about treatments for IBS-D.

Diet can play a significant role in improving symptoms of IBS-D. However, there is no one IBS-D diet, as symptoms and triggers can vary per person.

Dietary approaches that your doctor may recommend include FODMAP diets, anti-inflammatory diets, and diets that avoid your personal trigger foods. Common trigger foods include spicy foods, caffeine, and highly processed foods and ingredients.

Talk with a registered dietitian or doctor for personalized recommendations based on your individual condition. If you notice any possible trigger foods or experience any significant changes in symptoms, contact your doctor.

Original post:
What Is the Best IBS-D Diet? Foods to Include or Limit - Healthgrades

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