Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Health Center

A Diet for Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) With Constipation

Limit Highly Refined Foods if You Have IBS

Highly refined foods fill you up without providing the fiber and nutrients you need. People with IBS should avoid eating too many refined foods such as:

• White bread
• White rice
• Certain cereals without fiber
• Chips
• Cookies

Also, a high-protein, low-carb diet can worsen your constipation. You need protein, of course, but don't cut out carbohydrates such as fruits and vegetables. Constipation is a common side effect of some popular low-carb diets.
 

Dine at Leisure if You Have IBS

Whether you have IBS or not, too often we eat on the run or at our desks. Eating in such a rush reduces the pleasure you get from a meal, and can actually prompt IBS symptoms.

So while you're eating, try not to do other things, such as drive or sit in front of the computer. At worse, the stress from traffic or work may trigger symptoms. At best, it may make you eat more quickly and swallow more air, causing gas or bloating.