Managing Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Updated on 7/28/09

Irritable bowel syndrome is a functional disorder, meaning that it's a problem with how the intestines work, not a deficiency in the organ itself. So managing the symptoms is the key to reducing pain and discomfort.

To avoid or ease symptoms, you can:

• Avoid problem foods. Alcohol, chocolate, caffeine, and sugar-free sweeteners such as sorbitol and mannitol often trigger IBS symptoms. High-fat foods can also make symptoms worse. Some people find that dairy products cause them problems.
• Add fiber to your diet. Fiber can reduce constipation as well as diarrhea. Since it can also make gas and cramping worse, doctors suggest gradually adding more high-fiber foods to your diet, including fruits, vegetables, and whole-grain breads. Fiber supplements may also help.
• Eat at regular times. Eating meals on a regular schedule helps control bowel function.
• Eat smaller meals more often. Large meals can cause cramping and diarrhea.
• Drink plenty of water.
• Exercise regularly. Many people report improvement in symptoms just by walking 30 minutes daily. Exercise also helps reduce stress, which is a common trigger.
• Reduce levels of stress. Options include counseling, meditation, regular exercise, relaxation exercises, deep breathing, biofeedback, and hypnosis.
• Take over-the-counter antidiarrheal medications and laxatives judiciously, since they are not intended to be used too often or too long. Ask your doctor for advice.