Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a digestive problem also known as "spastic colon" or "irritable colon." It can affect up to 20% of the American population. Symptoms of IBS can include: abdominal pain, frequent constipation or diarrhea, bloating, nausea, headache, fatigue, cramping and flatulence.

The cause of IBS is unknown but it likely is triggered by psychological factors such as stress or ingestion of certain foods. IBS is more common in women and usually first begins at an early age (20s and 30s).

Treatment of IBS includes: careful explanation of the syndrome, management of key triggers including stress and diet, modification of diet to reduce or exclude foods that promote gas, drug therapy to relieve symptoms (bulk fiber products, antispasmodics, antidiarrheals), and occasionally, psychiatric therapy and medication.

Although general recommendations can be made regarding food intake, i.e. eat more fiber, avoid gas-promoting foods like onions, cauliflower, and broccoli, limit caffeine intake, etc., more recent focus has been on the controlling the symptoms of IBS through FODMAPs (or Fermentable Oligo-, Di- and Mono-saccharides and Polyols) dietary control. The premise is that certain foods containing too much fructose, lactose, and/or oligosaccharides are not tolerated well by people with IBS and therefore, a trial elimination of them from the diet can be beneficial. However, that in turn, takes the expertise of the registered dietitian to assist with meal planning and ensuring all nutrient requirements are met. In fact, the American Dietetic Association recommends that patients with IBS see an RD for a minimum of three visits for nutrition therapy after diagnosis.