What diet do doctors recommend for irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C)?

Doctor's Answers 1

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Dr Wai Leong Quan

Gastroenterologist

To minimise constipation in IBS-C, you should:

  • take in plenty of water,
  • do regular exercise and
  • increase intake of fibre.

These basic steps should also help to relieve constipation for most people without IBS. In IBS-C, external factors such as stress, poor sleeping pattern and frequent jet lag may affect your bowel movement and worsen your constipation. As such, staying positive and avoiding such triggers should help.

Besides the above dietary adjustments, avoiding too much iron or calcium supplements may also help to prevent constipation. A trial of probiotics may be useful for some people while others derive benefit from regular coffee drinking. Simple over the counter remedy such as lactulose may also help to soften your stools.

In more severe cases of constipation, you may require the help of a specialist familiar with managing IBS. Please note that recent onset of constipation or bowel habit change may indicate other problems. If your constipation is not better with the above measures, it is time for you to pay your family doctor a visit.

Similar Questions

How do I know if I suffered a seizure when I recently passed out?

It sounds like you suffered an attack of vasogagal syncope, which is a largely benign overreaction of the nervous system to certain stimuli. Ie your IBS symptoms resulted in your fainting episode. Seizures are generally determined when witnessed, although certain telltale signs (such as loss of urinary or bowel continence) might suggest a possible seizure. There are, however, many types of Seizures and it is difficult to comment on without further information. If this occurs frequently it might be best to be examined properly by a medical physician.

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Answered By

Human

What is the difference between IBS and gastritis?

Gastritis refers to inflammation of the inner lining of the stomach. The diagnosis is made by gastroscopy and biopsy, but can often be suspected based on symptoms. IBS is a condition affecting the intestines, and is thought to be due to problems with the muscles and nerves of the intestine, which in turn causes problems with gut movement and sensitivity. IBS diagnosed using symptoms, and endoscopy and biopsy would be normal. Based on your predominant symptoms of bloating and excessive flatulence, your problem might be neither gastritis nor IBS.

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Answered By

Dr Jarrod Lee

Gastroenterologist

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