In the diet for irritable bowel syndrome, stimulating foods such as coffee, chocolate or black tea, for example, should be avoided. In addition, fatty or very sugary foods, as well as alcoholic drinks and condiments should also not be eaten as they increase the irritation of the intestine, leading to the appearance or aggravating the symptoms of the problem, such as diarrhea or abdominal pain.
It is also important to avoid foods that are difficult to digest or that increase the amount of intestinal gases, such as fatty meats, soy, barley, chickpeas or Brussels sprouts. See the full list of prohibited foods, also called FODMAPS, to test which ones cause the crises.
What you can eat
In irritable bowel syndrome it is important to eat several small meals throughout the day, preventing the intestine from having a large activity at once. In addition, some foods that help calm the intestine and prevent attacks are:
- Soothing teas such as chamomile, linden or lemon balm; Fruits like papaya, melon, lemon, orange, avocado, plum or grape; White or orange vegetables such as cabbage, chayote, carrot, pumpkin, zucchini, cucumber or lettuce; White meats such as chicken or turkey; Fish of any kind, but without frying; Probiotic foods like yogurt or kefir.
Although dietary changes help to prevent the onset of seizures, they do not help to alleviate symptoms during irritable bowel attacks and, therefore, the gastroenterologist may recommend the use of some medications, such as anti-spasmodics or anti-diarrhea. See which remedies are most used to treat this problem.
Sample menu for 3 days
The following table shows an example of a 3-day menu to control Irritable Bowel Syndrome:
| Meal | Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 |
| Breakfast | 1 glass of almond milk + potato bread with egg and cured cheese | Orange juice + omelet with 2 eggs, shredded chicken and oregano | 1 glass of lactose-free milk + oat bread + 1 egg + 1 slice of cheese |
| Collation | 1 banana + 10 cashew nuts | 1 natural yogurt with bee honey | 1 glass of green juice with orange and cabbage |
| Lunch dinner | pumpkin puree + grilled meat with olive oil + raw salad | hidden meat and manioc + vegetables sauteed in olive oil | fish grilled in the oven with vegetables + boiled potatoes + green salad |
| Afternoon snack | Pineapple juice + 1 tapioca with grated coconut | Avocado smoothie with oat milk | 1 plain yogurt + 5 oatmeal cookies |
Throughout the day you should drink 2 liters of water or soothing teas, but without adding sugar. To learn more about the foods you may or may not eat in irritable bowel syndrome, watch this video:
If you think you may have this problem, before changing your diet, see what are the most common symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome.
