Recipes for Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a relatively complicated condition that affects the proper function of the lower portion of the intestines.

Those who suffer from irritable bowel syndrome have found that certain foods or spices are apt to trigger an attack. As such, they limit their diets to certain "safe" foods. The fact that you suffer from IBS does not mean you have to stick to a boring or bland diet.

IBS Triggers

Most individuals suffering from IBS can control their symptoms by simply avoiding fatty foods and certain meat products. Others need to be more careful about the foods they choose. Some of the most common foods that trigger the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome include red meat, dark poultry meat, poultry skin, dairy products, egg yolks, greasy or fried foods, chocolate, oil-based spreads and condiments, and even Cool Whip. Caffeinated beverages, alcohol, carbonated beverages, artificial sweeteners, artificial fats and MSG are also known for their abilities to irritate the digestive tract.

While these foods are common triggers of IBS, it is important for you to recognize that every sufferer has different symptoms and triggers and that you will soon begin to learn what foods you can and cannot eat. Check every recipe you prepare before you begin cooking to ensure that your known trigger foods are not included.

Banana Breakfast Smoothie

Bananas have long been used in recipes for those with stomach and digestive ailments as they are generally soothing to the digestive tract. Bananas are low in fat and high in fiber, making them the perfect food choice for IBS sufferers.

Gather one banana, 1/4 cup of rice or soy milk (vanilla works best), 2 tbsp. of carob powder (a chocolate- or cocoa-powder substitute), and one egg white. Add all of the ingredients to your blender and process until the mixture is smooth. Pour the smoothie into a glass and enjoy!

Basil Tofu Cubes

Basil tofu cubes make a great lunch or dinner side dish and can also be used as a nutritious, high-fiber snack throughout the day.

You will need 2 tsp. of sesame oil, 1 1/2 tbsp. of low-sodium soy sauce, 1 1/2 tbsp water, 16 oz. of tofu, and 1 tbsp. of fresh minced basil.

Preheat your oven 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Drain the tofu and cut it into 1/2-inch cubes. Mix the sesame oil, soy sauce and water in a bowl. Add the tofu cubes to the bowl and toss them until they are covered in sauce. Place the tofu in a baking dish, making sure you have only one layer of cubes (do not overlap). Sprinkle the basil over the cubes, and place the baking dish in the oven for 35 minutes. Turn the cubes over two or three times as they are baking.

Soothing Tea

The ingredients found in this tea are perfect for calming the stomach and aiding the digestive system in proper function.

For one cup of tea, gather 1 tbsp. of dried or fresh peppermint, 1/2 tsp. of fennel seed, and 1 cup of boiling water.

Put the peppermint and fennel in a tea strainer or ball and place it in a mug of boiling water. Allow the tea to steep for five to 10 minutes. Taste it after five minutes and take out the strainer if you like the taste. Steeping the tea for longer than 10 minutes may cause it to become bitter. You can sweeten the tea with honey or your own IBS-friendly sweetener.

Note: Make sure there is enough room in your tea ball or strainer for the leaves to expand once they are wet. If the tea ball is too full, try splitting the mixture between two balls and place them both in the mug. You can also replace the peppermint with spearmint as spearmint is great for the stomach as well.

Other Recipes

There are dozens of IBS-safe recipes available. Many can be found online at recipe collection sites like AllRecipes.com or RecipeZaar.com. Be creative, and don't lose heart--your IBS diet can be tasteful and healthy at the same time.