top of page

Why does my belly ache?!

Abdominal pain. Abdominal cramping. Bloating and gassiness. Loose stools alternating with constipation....So many of our gastrointestinal and belly complaints can be attributable to what we are eating. Once we have ruled out "organic causes", like colon cancer, diverticulitis, gastritis, gall bladder disease, etc, we can attribute these symptoms to Irritable Bowel Syndrome. And, YOUR DIET can play a huge role in relieving symptoms.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Dietary Options

  • Increase fiber in your diet — eat more fruits, vegetables, grains and nuts.

  • ​​Add supplemental fiber--Metamucil or Citrucel--EVERY DAY.

  • Drink enough of water — eight 8-ounce glasses per day.

  • Avoid caffeine (from coffee, chocolate, teas, and sodas).

  • Limit dairy products. Lactose intolerance is more common in people with IBS.  You can get calcium from other sources: broccoli, spinach, salmon, or supplements.

  • ​Try the low FODMAP diet, an eating plan that can help improve symptoms.

 Low FODMAP Diet 

FODMAP is an acronym for a certain class of carbohydrates--Fermentable Oligosaccharides, Disaccharides, Monosaccharides and Polyols--which are more difficult for some people to digest.

​

 

Much has been written on the Low FODMAP elimination diet. The best instructions can be found here and here.

bottom of page