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Nutrition and Fitness
Ask an Expert: Nutrition
Click here to ask Brennan J. Robertson a question about nutrition
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Question Archive
What foods are good for someone with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and which foods should be avoided?
Brennan J. Robertson's Response
IBS can often be a painful and embarrassing condition. Although food doesn't cause IBS, certain foods will often trigger symptoms or exacerbate the existing discomfort and unease. While no one diet will work for everyone dealing with IBS, here are some suggestions that may help:
- Increase the amount of fibre in your diet. Soluble fibre has several benefits that may also reduce symptoms of IBS. Fibre absorbs water allowing for softer stool that can be passed more painlessly and easily. You should gradually add fibre into your diet, as the initial switch to a high-fibre diet may increase gas and bloating. When adding fibre to your diet, also increase the amount of water you drink to balance the bulk.
- Decrease all activity that can lead to increased gas. By cutting out habits such as gum-chewing or gulping liquids during meals, you can avoid pain and cramping.
- Eat several smaller balanced meals throughout the course of the day. Moderate portion sizes may help reduce symptoms.
- Avoid caffeinated drinks or alcohol as these are bowel stimulants.
- artificial sweeteners
- artificial fats (e.g., olestra)
- carbonated drinks
- coconut milk
- dairy
- egg yolks
- fried foods
- oils
- olives
- poultry skin and dark meat
- red meat
- shortening
- solid chocolate
Click here to ask Brennan J. Robertson a question about Nutrition
- A friend told me that a vitamin D supplement will help in avoiding the winter blues. Is this true?
- Are bananas fattening?
- Are pineapples high in calories?
- Are there any foods I should be eating more of to ward off the common cold?
- Can you explain to me the difference between "good" carbs and "bad" carbs?
- Do fruits and vegetables have protein?
- Hello Brennan! I have type 2 diabetes, and I'm wondering if all the hype about vitamin supplementation is in fact beneficial for my condition?
- How beneficial is the Eat Right 4 Your Type diet?
- I am a student on a low budget. How can I eat healthy?
- I currently take a water pill daily and I am concerned about the amount of potassium my body is losing as a result of taking this pill. What fruits and vegetables with high levels of potassium should I be eating more of to offset this loss?
- I have been considering the benefits of a dietary detox. What can you tell me about body cleanses?
- I have known about the benefits of drinking gogi juice but just recently heard of the açai berry. What is it and how would it benefit my health?
- I want to start taking an omega-3 supplement as I don't like fish. You had recommended one with a high EPA. How high should I go, and can you recommend a brand? I'm new to supplements!
- Is honey a good substitute for sugar for a person with diabetes?
- My daughter has colitis and has been advised to follow a low-fibre diet. Which foods should she eat and which should she avoid?
- My New Year's resolution is to take better care of my body. Is there anything you can suggest to kick start a year of healthy living?
- My sister has liver disease. Is there a certain diet she should follow?
- My son has been drinking a juice that claims to be loaded with adaptogens. What are adaptogens and are they safe to take?
- What are good dietary sources of Vitamin D?
- What are probiotics and should I be taking them regularly?
- What exercises will help me build upper arms after losing 20 pounds over one year? I golf and bike from April to November, then walk every day during the inclement weather.
- What is organic produce and is it more nutritious than conventional produce?
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