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Part IV: Various Dietary Approaches to IBS and SIBO

Updated: Dec 8, 2023


A person writing a meal plan

Alternatives to the low-FODMAP diet include:


  • Cedars-Sinai Diet

  • Elemental diet for 2 to 3 weeks

  • Gut and Psychology Syndrome Diet

  • Fast-Track Diet for Irritable Bowel Syndrome

  • Paleo Diet

  • SIBO-Specific Food Guide

  • SIBO Bi-Phasic Diet

  • Specific Carbohydrate Diet

  • Relieving Symptoms


Dr. Anne Fleck, known in Germany as the "Nutrition Doc," focuses on rebuilding the disturbed gut flora through fiber, pro- and prebiotics in IBS.


She also emphasizes the importance of reducing intestinal inflammation by avoiding processed foods. Omega-3 rich foods such as salmon, sardines, flaxseed oil, or hemp oil should be included.


Adequate sleep, regular physical activity, and stress reduction through methods like acupuncture are also proven methods for IBS patients.


A study from Monash University in 2019 showed that gut hypnosis can lead to a significant improvement in the health of over 70% of IBS patients.



Symptom-Oriented Nutrition


For constipation, gradually increase fiber intake. You can start with a teaspoon of psyllium husk with a glass of water.


Apple cider vinegar, Triphala (an herbal blend in Ayurvedic medicine), Aloe Vera juice, magnesium citrate, chia seeds, and kiwis also promote bowel movement.


For acute constipation, a tea infusion of cascara sagrada or Chinese rhubarb can provide relief.


If bloating is prominent, eliminating cabbage, legumes, soy products, bell peppers, onions, garlic, and coarse whole grain bread can make a difference. Beer, sodas, and carbonated drinks should also be avoided.


Some herbs and spices such as anise, basil, dill, fennel, cumin, mint, parsley, or teas made from them can have a bloating effect.


For diarrhea, a raw apple diet, carrot soup, black tea (steeped for at least 5 minutes), cocoa, bitter chocolate, polished rice, and occasionally white bread and white flour products can be effective.


In cases of severe diarrhea, electrolyte and fluid losses must be replenished. For this, 1 liter of pure orange juice with 1 teaspoon of salt and 1-2 tablespoons of sugar can be suitable.



Conclusion


The pronounced suffering experienced by IBS patients represents a significant disruption in daily life. The search for an accurate diagnosis alone can be exhausting, if not frustrating.


Unbalanced diet, dysbiosis, small intestinal bacterial overgrowth, candida overgrowth, as well as food intolerances or allergies can be factors behind irritable bowel syndrome.


Often, it's a combination of several triggers, making it challenging to address the true causes of IBS.

To restore balance, it takes time, patience, and discipline.


The crucial aspect is to make an accurate diagnosis and get the irritated intestine back on track through nutrition and herbs or medications.


Regarding nutrition, IBS is addressed in three steps. It starts with general nutrition recommendations. If these do not bring relief, the Low-FODMAP Diet is continued (second step).


The goal is to test individual tolerances and intolerances. Step three would then involve eliminating all intolerable products.


On the other hand, in SIBO, the first step is often skipped, and the Low-FODMAP Diet with medication is immediately initiated.


For SIFO, a strictly sugar-free and carbohydrate-reduced diet must be adhered to.


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