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Conditions and Diseases > Stomach, Ulcers, Gastric Bypass Forum > Dietary Recommendations for Spastic Colon, IBS
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Q: Dietary Recommendations for Spastic Colon, IBS
asked by: DoctorQuestion on November 7th, 2006
I have had a spastic colon for many years now....I find that laxitives do not work anymore I have tried remedies, prune juices and a whole lot of other things. My question to you is what foods can i eat that will regulate me and make it easier for my system as well as the foods that i should stay away? MANY THANKS


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Dr. Nikola Gjuzelov , MD
replied on November 29th, 2006
Stomach, Ulcers, Gastric Bypass, Colon Disorders Answer A180
Spastic colon, or "irritable bowel syndrome" (IBS), is a functional colon disease without any structural lesions. It can be manifested with diarrhea, constipation, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, abdominal fullness, etc. Anxiety and depression could be also present during IBS. It is believed that IBS could be a manifestation of a neurotic disorder (psycho-somatic disorder).
It seems to me that constipation is a dominant symptom in your case of IBS.
A change in diet is one of the treatments for IBS that may help relieve symptoms in some patients. Different patients respond better to different diets. A sample diet may include the following adjustments and considerations:
1. Temporary elimination of dairy products is recommended, since lactose intolerance is common and can cause symptoms similar to IBS or aggravate IBS. People who avoid lactose should take dietary calcium supplements.
2. Several foods are only partially digested in the intestines. When they reach the colon, further digestion takes place by bacteria, which produce gas as a byproduct of their digestion. As a result, some foods can cause gas and cramps. The most common to produce gas and cramps are the legumes (such as beans) and cruciferous vegetables (ie, vegetables that have a cross at their base) such as cabbage, brussels sprouts, cauliflower, and broccoli. In addition, some patients have trouble with onions, celery, carrots, raisins, bananas, apricots, prunes, sprouts, and wheat.
3. Coffee should be avoided.
4. Increasing dietary fiber (fruits and vegetables) can relieve symptoms in some people with IBS, particularly people who have combined abdominal pain and constipation. It is often helpful to take a dietary fiber supplement (such as psyllium [Metamucil] or methylcellulose [Citrucel]) since it is difficult to consume enough fiber in the diet, particularly when avoiding foods, mentioned above, known to increase intestinal gas.



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