Gloria, in general, a normal diet should be followed. Patients with abdominal distention and increased flatulence may benefit from dietary reduction or elimination of beans, cabbage, and other foods containing fermentable carbohydrates. Reduced intake of apple and grape juice, bananas, nuts, and raisins may also lessen the incidence of flatulence. Patients with evidence of lactose intolerance should reduce their intake of milk and dairy products. Bowel function may also be disturbed by the ingestion of sorbitol, mannitol, fructose, or combinations of sorbitol and fructose. Sorbitol and mannitol are artificial sweeteners used in dietetic foods and as drug vehicles, whereas fructose is a common constituent of fruits, berries, and plants. Patients with postprandial abdominal pain may try a low-fat diet supplemented with increased protein.
Increasing dietary fibre can help many patients with IBS, particularly those with constipation, but fibre added in small amounts may also help reduce IBS-induced diarrhoea by absorbing water and solidifying stool. However, excessive use of fiber can lead to bloating and diarrhoea. Fibre doses must therefore be adjusted to individual patient needs.
This is more DietDoc’s field of expertise, so why don’t you drop her a line too? Good luck.