Irritable Bowel Syndrome: This Common Mistake Could Make Your Symptoms Worse

A chronic gastrointestinal disorder, irritable bowel syndrome is characterized by abdominal pain, cramps, bloating, gas and changes in bowel habits, with diarrhea or constipation. This pathology greatly affects the quality of life of patients. And some are then tempted to make drastic decisions to avoid symptoms. Be careful, some are really false good ideas.

Symptoms triggered by many factors

The symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome are caused by different factors. Diet is of course part of it, but it is not the only cause. Adopting a healthy lifestyle allows you to better manage your symptoms.

“There are many other factors that can trigger symptoms like stressanxiety, hormonal changes or poor sleep, so focusing solely on food may not completely alleviate symptoms.” explains dietitian Bonnie Roney in an article for Eating Well.

Having a diet that is too restrictive is counterproductive

One of the most common mistakes people with irritable bowel syndrome make is being too restrictive with their diet. “It’s understandable. When trying to avoid symptoms, removing potential trigger foods may seem like the best approach. However, this habit may actually make your condition worse in the long term.” warns Bonnie Roney.

Indeed, although it may provide temporary relief, these restrictions can make your gut more sensitive, leading to nutritional deficiencies and a lower quality of life, ultimately.

“Excessive restriction can also create a cycle of anxiety and stress around food. This can be particularly problematic for people with irritable bowel syndrome, as stress is a well-known trigger for symptoms.” specifies the dietitian.

Additionally, in some cases, this behavior can lead to eating disorders, such as orthorexia, which is the obsession with eating healthily.

What diet in case of irritable bowel syndrome?

For the expert, “The goal should be to free up your eating as much as possible while avoiding or limiting your food triggers.”. To know these foods, you must temporarily eliminate them and then gradually reintroduce them into your diet to determine which ones are actually causing symptoms. “This method will allow you to maintain a balanced diet while managing your irritable bowel syndrome“Bonnie Roney further explains.

Adopt good lifestyle habits

She also recommends paying attention to the fiber you consume. “Insoluble fiber, found in whole grains and some vegetables, may exacerbate symptoms in some people, especially those prone to constipation. Soluble fiber from oats, beans, fruits and certain vegetables like broccoli, carrots and green beans can improve digestive symptoms.. To find out more about the best dietary advice, discover our article “What diet in case of irritable bowel? Advice from a dietitian”.

Finally, at the same time, the expert recommends learning to manage stress through relaxation methods (meditation, yoga, etc.), hydrating yourself well, eating slowly by chewing food well, adapting your diet accordingly. of your feelings and to consult a health professional if necessary.

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