4 Worst Things to Say to Someone Suffering from IBS

Jef L'Ecuyer April 11, 2016 FODMAP, IBS Irritable Bowel Syndrome

3. “Let’s eat out!”

You think you’re doing good by proposing to eat out, but if you’re thinking of doing so, it’s best to leave the choice to—or at least to consult—the person with IBS. IBS symptoms are aggravated or reduced depending on which foods are eaten. It’s therefore important that the person with IBS can choose a restaurant that offers dishes that suit their needs. Ideally, arrange the outing several days before so that they can, if needed, consult the menu in advance or phone the restaurant. To find out more, (re)read our article: Making the Best Low-FODMAP Choices at Restaurants.

One last little tip for the road, don’t try to check everything the person eats. Those suffering from IBS know themselves well enough to know which foods work and which don’t work for them. To help them, here are our lists of low-FODMAP foods and high-FODMAP foods.

4. “Isn’t there medication for this?”

Despite extraordinary medical advances, a medicine or miracle cure for irritable bowel syndrome doesn’t yet exist. A Tylenol (acetaminophen) or Advil (ibuprofen) will probably not fix the problem! However, a low-FODMAP diet and certain medicines can help to better manage some of the associated symptoms.

How can you help?

Here are a few tips to help a person suffering from irritable bowel syndrome:

• Learn more about irritable bowel syndrome
• Offer your help in everyday situations or periods of crisis
• Encourage the person suffering from IBS to try a low-FODMAP diet

References:

• Irritable Bowel Syndrome Self Help and Support Group. (January 4th, 2011). About Irritable Bowel Syndrome – IBS Explained for People who do not have IBS. [blog post]. Retrieved from : http://www.ibsgroup.org/aboutibs
• Bolen, Barbara. (November 17th, 2015). The Worst Things to Say to Someone Who Has IBS. [blog post]. Retrieved from: http://ibs.about.com/od/IBSInformationFriendsFamily/ss/Unhelpful-Advice-for-IBS.htm

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Author

Jef L'Ecuyer

Member of the Quebec College of Dietitians (ODNQ) and Dietitians of Canada,Jef graduated from McGill University in December 2014. Recently graduated and passionate about culinary arts, Jef poses a simple, effective and practical look at daily meal planning. With this in mind, she works in conjunction with the mission of SOSCuisine...