Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) affects the large intestine, which is responsible for some of the most vital digestive functions. The condition leads to the development of symptoms like abdominal cramps, bloating, gas, and severe constipation or diarrhea. IBS is a chronic condition, but it can be managed by making certain changes to one’s diet.

Here are some of the beneficial foods IBS patients should eat to reduce the discomfort associated with the condition:

Protein-rich foods
Meats are rich sources of protein and are generally recommended for an IBS-friendly diet. However, certain cuts of red meat can cause digestive complications, so nutritionists recommend avoiding them. Instead, lean meats like chicken and turkey are excellent sources of animal protein and are easy for the digestive system to break down. Alternatively, certain cuts of pork and beef, including the sirloin, top round, eye round, and bottom round, are beneficial lean cuts of meat. With lean meats, the risk of gas, which is associated with IBS triggers, is fairly low. Fish, certain poultry, and other low-fat dairy products are excellent protein-rich foods to eat for IBS patients.

Low-FODMAP foods
Certain foods are rich in carbohydrates and draw water in the digestive tract, triggering bloating. These include various sources of fructose, lactose, fructans, galactans, and polyols. A low-FODMAP diet strictly eliminates these carbohydrates to ease IBS symptoms like bloating, diarrhea, and constipation. A low-FODMAP diet is planned in three stages, starting with dietary restrictions for a couple of months, reintroducing selective foods, and personalizing the diet with foods that help soothe the symptoms. A few low-FODMAP foods that IBS patients should eat are vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, carrots, corn, eggplants, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, turnips, and zucchini. Avocados, bananas, blueberries, grapes, lime, lemon, kiwi, and oranges are among the beneficial fruits. Leafy greens reduce the risk of fermentation in the gut, so one also can incorporate more collard greens, kale, lettuce, and spinach into their diet.

Sources of omega-3 fats
Omega-3 fatty acids help lower triglyceride levels and counter the inflammation associated with a number of health conditions. More importantly, these fatty acids help manage gastrointestinal pain caused due to the complications associated with IBS. Fish and fish oil supplements are among the richest sources of omega-3 fats. Adding fatty fish like anchovies, bluefish, herring, mackerel, marlin, salmon, sardines, sturgeon, trout, and tuna to one’s diet can help meet the body’s requirement of these healthy fats.

Fermented foods or probiotics
Natural probiotics are rich in healthy bacteria, which are extremely necessary for gut health. Some of the probiotic foods to eat for managing IBS symptoms are kefir, kombucha, sauerkraut, kimchi, and yogurt. These fermented foods promote digestive health, but it’s best to opt for the plain varieties instead of the sugar-laden, flavored ones.