The easiest way to find out what your triggers are for IBS is to keep a food diary. This will let you look back over the week and see what days you had bowel troubles, and the foods that these days had in common. If you avoid those foods in the future, your IBS can probably be controlled with diet alone. Read on to learn keep a food diary for IBS.
Instructions
1. Write down the amount of food and type of food and drink at breakfast, lunch and dinner after every meal starting on Monday. Include the side items or condiments you may use, as well as the type of toast or bread that you are consuming. Include how many servings of each that you have, not just the first plate.
2. Copy down the calories, fat, fiber, sugar in all forms, protein and carbohydrate count for every item you can get this information on. If you are eating out, you can estimate the numbers based on the menu you were given, or ask the waiter/waitress for the information. Most restaurants keep this on hand for patrons.
3. At the bottom of your page on each date, keep track of the bowel movement and consistency. If you forget to write down how many times a day you are going to the restroom, it is OK. As long as you can remember to keep track of the consistency, your diary will help you find out your trigger foods.
4. Complete this diary entry every day for a week. On Sunday, look back over your entries and look for foods that are common to most days or meals. Then look at the entries for the bowel movements. If you see any consistencies in foods and problem potty days, you should eliminate these foods from your diet. This will help you regain control of your IBS without drugs.
5. Keep writing in this diary for a month. If you notice that there are foods that cause problems every time you have them, they should be eliminated completely. Take this to your doctor on your next visit. This will allow them more insight as to the problems you face with your diet, and they can take steps towards helping you find a happy medium.
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