Irritable bowel syndrome, known medically as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), is a functional digestive problem that affects the large intestine. Dietitian Hilal Yazıcı noted that the disease is also known as irritable bowel syndrome or spastic colon.
AFFECTS 15 PERCENT OF SOCIETY
Stating that irritable bowel syndrome is a common disorder affecting approximately 15 percent of the population, Dietitian Yazıcı said, “The symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome include abdominal cramps, pain, bloating, gas, diarrhea or constipation or both. It is a chronic condition whose treatment must be managed in the long term. Symptoms are usually mild and only a few patients have severe signs and symptoms. In most patients, symptoms can be controlled by managing diet, lifestyle and stress.
IT CAUSES BOTTOM BLADING AND PAIN
Stating that FODMAPs found in some foods such as grains and legumes are natural components of many foods and are non-absorbable, short-chain and fermentable carbohydrates, Dietician Hilal Yazıcı emphasized that these short-chain carbohydrates have been reported to worsen the symptoms of some digestive disorders. Emphasizing that the hydrogen and methane gas released as a result of the rapid fermentation of FODMAPs cause intestinal bloating (distention), Dietitian Hilal Yazıcı explained that this causes irritable bowel syndrome symptoms such as gas, bloating and pain.
DIET CAN BE APPLIED TO PEOPLE WITH SYNDROME
Stating that special diets applied to people with irritable bowel syndrome may be beneficial in the treatment of the disease, Dietician Hilal Yazıcı listed her recommendations as follows:
“A low-FODMAP diet may be beneficial in relieving gastrointestinal symptoms in patients with IBS. A low-FODMAP diet limits foods that contain lactose, fructose, fructooligosaccharides, galactooligosaccharides, and polyols. A low-FODMAP diet is followed for 6-8 weeks, during which time high-FODMAP foods are removed from the diet. After the low-FODMAP diet is over, high-FODMAP foods are added to the diet one by one and symptoms are monitored. High-FODMAP foods that do not develop symptoms are added to the diet.”
A LONG-TERM FODMAP DIET CAN BE RISKY
Dietician Hilal Yazıcı, who also warned that long-term use of the low-FODMAP diet may cause deficiencies in folate, thiamine, vitamin B6 and calcium, and concluded her statements by saying, “Also, since fiber intake decreases due to limited fruit, vegetables and cereals, constipation may occur.”