Many adults in the country are living with irritable bowel syndrome, and gastroenterologists report that this condition is the primary reason why patients visit them. Although the exact cause of the condition is unknown, doctors and dieticians recommend avoiding certain types of foods and increasing the consumption of a few others to help manage the symptoms of the gastrointestinal disease. Here are some simple dietary tips to manage irritable bowel syndrome:

1. Eat on time
Sticking to a regular eating routine is a key tip to maintain optimal health. Delaying or skipping meals can drastically affect the stomach and gastrointestinal tract, and it increases the risk of bloating, belching, and acidic formations.

2. Opt for simple foods
Foods that are simple to cook and easy to digest are ideal options to prevent, manage, and treat irritable bowel syndrome. Doctors recommend including sources of soluble fiber like beans, oats, and fruits in one’s regular diet. Including more of these simple foods can make the digestion process easier, improving the symptoms.

3. Eating homemade meals
Opting for home-cooked meals with fresh, organic ingredients is a highly beneficial dietary tip for people with irritable bowel syndrome. One wrong ingredient can trigger the symptoms, and many with this condition are sensitive to oily food, spicy food, or foods with preservatives. So, home-cooked meals can help steer clear of any food triggers as one knows exactly what goes into the food.

4. Eliminate harmful foods
Carbonated drinks or soda, salt, caffeinated drinks, alcohol, and oily foods should be avoided as they lead to a series of symptoms like belching, blasting, and pain in severe cases. Additionally, these foods cause dehydration and disrupt the digestion process, and they can worsen the condition and slow the recovery process.

5. Eat smaller meals
Eating large meals can trigger belching and bloating of the gastrointestinal tract, as it slows metabolism. This is because more digestive fluids are needed to break down large quantities of food. Having smaller meals can improve the symptoms, and eating fruit in between small meals is better than eating two or three large meal portions, which leaves the intestine stressed.

6. Chew well
Chewing prepares the food for efficient digestion. Our saliva contains digestive enzymes that are responsible for breaking down complex carbohydrates and fats. Proper chewing also makes the mealtime longer and reduces the amount of air entering the body, which can otherwise trigger bloating and other symptoms.

7. Drink a lot of water, but slowly
Water is an essential fluid that aids recovery from several health conditions, including irritable bowel syndrome. That said, gulping down large volumes of water can wash away acid formation or lead to bloating, and it can even fill the stomach so that one doesn’t feel hungry. An efficient dietary tip for irritable bowel syndrome patients is to drink a glass of water every half hour to boost metabolism. That said, it’s important to note that drinking water immediately before or after a meal can dilute the digestive acids and increase the symptoms.