Irritable bowel syndrome is a chronic condition that causes inflammation of the intestines. There are two main types of this syndrome: ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. There are similarities and differences between these two conditions. Ulcerative colitis affects the area of the gut known as the large intestine, or colon. The inner lining of the intestine becomes red and inflamed, and ulcers develop. In the case of ulcerative colitis, the rectum area is usually the most affected, due to frequent diarrhea. Stool often contains mucus and blood if the colon lining has been damaged. In Crohn's disease, the terminal ileum (the last part of the small intestine), and parts of the large intestine are usually affected. However, this condition can affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract. The entire bowel wall is inflamed, and the inflammation extends much deeper than in ulcerative colitis. For these reasons, it is very important to know how to follow a diet that meets the needs of those with irritable bowel syndrome.
Steps
Step 1. Learn to identify the symptoms
The most common symptoms of ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease are abdominal pain and diarrhea.
- Since diarrhea can be severe, dehydration, hypotension, and anemia can occur due to blood loss in the rectum. Other symptoms of these conditions include constipation, fever, chills, weight loss, and fatigue.
- Loss of nutrients and fluids often leads to weight loss and malnutrition. It is important to have a proper and proper diet that will help you manage the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, since nutrient absorption is a recurring problem.
Step 2. Have small meals or snacks every 3 to 4 hours
It's important to help your digestive system recover and keep it from working too hard. This way you will absorb more nutrients and will be less likely to suffer from abdominal pain during meals.
- Keep half of each meal in the refrigerator for later consumption.
- Eat three small meals and eat 3 small snacks a day.
- Prepare pre-portioned and packaged healthy snacks.
- Use small plates when eating to avoid overeating.
Step 3. Eat lower-fiber foods when you suffer from symptoms
These foods are easier to digest and less likely to cause digestive problems.
-
Prefer breads, cereals and pasta made with white flour to wholemeal ones.
Stop Enjoying Carbs Step 2 -
Prefer white rice to brown rice.
Make Sushi Rice Intro - Choose packaged foods with less than 2 grams of fiber per serving.
-
Avoid corn, lima beans, pinto beans, red and black beans.
Prepare Cellophane Noodles Intro -
Eat well-cooked seedless vegetables, vegetable juices, and skinless potatoes.
Use a Vegetable Steamer Step 1Bullet5 -
Avoid almost all raw fruits, except ripe bananas, peeled apples, and cantaloupe.
Prevent Kidney Stones from Recurring Step 3Bullet5 - Avoid dried fruit, such as raisins and prunes.
- Avoid prune juice.
-
Choose canned fruit, soft and without peel.
Prepare Healthy Family Foods While Promoting a Healthier Lifestyle Step 1
Step 4. Drink plenty of fluids
Preventing dehydration is very important.
- Aim to drink at least 8 glasses of water a day.
- Avoid caffeinated drinks, as they are diuretic.
- Always carry something to drink with you.
Step 5. Eat foods that contain probiotics and prebiotics when you have no symptoms
-
Prebiotics are naturally present in many foods, especially those rich in fiber, including fruits, vegetables and grains. They are also often added to dietary supplements and some processed foods, such as yogurt, beverage mixes, and meal replacement bars.
Improve Your Digestive Health Step 1 -
Probiotics are live microorganisms that are beneficial for digestion. They contribute to the population of good bacteria that live in our digestive tract. They are found in yogurts and some dairy products. Usually on the package you will read "contains live lactic ferments". You can also use supplements that contain probiotics.
Improve Your Digestive Health Step 1Bullet1
Step 6. Take a multivitamin supplement
You may need more vitamins and minerals than normal due to your symptoms. Diarrhea can lead to vitamin and mineral deficiencies.
- Choose an over-the-counter multivitamin with minerals. You don't need a prescription for a good multivitamin.
- You can ask a dietician or pharmacist to recommend the right multivitamin for you if you don't know which one to choose.
- Avoid taking too high doses of single vitamins or minerals. Vitamins A, D and E in particular are fat soluble and can build up in the body and become toxic.
Step 7. Avoid fatty and greasy foods
These foods can make stomach pains and diarrhea worse.
- Consume milk and low-fat cheeses.
-
Prefer lean meats such as skinless poultry, lean beef, grilled fish and tuna.
Eat an Inflammatory Bowel Disease Diet Step 7Bullet2 -
Limit fats and oils to less than 8 tablespoons per day. These include: butter, margarine, cooking oil, sour cream, and lard.
Store Olive Oil Step 7 -
Avoid fried foods.
Make Fried Green Tomatoes Step 14
