Are women more stressed than men? IBS certainly seems to target women and it is sometimes suggested that women bottle up their stress and that this can result in IBS. So saying, although there are lots of ways you can ease the discomfort of IBS through eating raw foods, fundamental change in lifestyle has to be made to tackle the root cause.

What Exactly is IBS?

IBS is the most common intestinal disorder. It affects 10-20% of adults in the developed world and twice as many women as men. It tends to start in early adulthood and although it is distressing it is not life threatening. It used to be known as irritable colon syndrome or spastic colon and it tends to be intermittent. Sufferers tend to experience alternating constipation and diarrhoea accompanied by cramping abdominal pains and lots of wind.

How is IBS Caused?

IBS can be caused by a number of conditions, most of which are believed to be emotional. Stress, emotional upset and fear can trigger IBS. There are also food related causes, such as having a low fibre diet or an intolerance of wheat, corn, dairy products, fruit, tea, coffee or vegetables.

Changes You Can Make

If you have had an emotional upset or feel stressed and feel this may be the cause then counselling is advisable as dietary changes alone will not solve the problem. Relaxation techniques can also help relieve stress as do regular meals and exercise. Switching to a high fibre diet and increasing your fluid intake (but reduce alcohol, as this can also be a trigger) will significantly reduce episodes of IBS.

Specific Raw Foods you can use to Prevent or Reduce Symptoms

Eating slowly, small amounts and chewing your food more than usual can help reduce your air intake which can cause problems if you have IBS. It is better not to drink with your meal as this can cause indigestion.

With IBS it tends to be more a matter of avoiding foods that can trigger IBS rather than actively eating specific foods.

These are the key foods to avoid:

• Grain – wheat (in bread and cereals) rye, barley
• Dairy products – milk
• Caffeine – coffee (and other caffeine-rich drinks such as tea and cola)
• Onions
• Alcohol
• Chewing gum (increases air intake)
• Ice cold foods or drinks on an empty stomach

Instead eat high fibre foods and lots of water, 2 litres per day and not ice cold water.

Also, increase your intake of the following:

• Fibre
• Vegetables such as beans, corn, peas and berries but mashed or pureed ideally
• Nuts – chop finely
• Raisins and other dried fruit
• Fresh herbs
• Unprocessed bran
  • Mix in your green smoothies in the morning
  • Mix in with fruit juices
• Green salads but at the end of a meal not the beginning

Sufferers of IBS need to adopt a two pronged approach. They should address the root cause of their problem through counselling and relaxation techniques to ensure that this does not become a recurring problem and simultaneously change their diet to one focussing on high fibre. Some also say that water dilutes anger, I’m not sure whether this is true but it is believed to be a key recommendation for IBS sufferers.

By TTS Cofounder Botanical Chef Omid Jaffari