Brief Answer:
Dietary advice for IBS and Iron deficiency anemia

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

Thank you for your query.
Irritable bowel syndrome is of two main types - constipation type and diarrhoeal type. In the constipation type, you should have a wholesome diet with all foods in moderation, and adding high-fiber foods to your diet gradually to help relieve IBS.
It is a good idea to keep an IBS symptom journal. If you regularly write down the types of foods you eat, when and where you ate them, the amount, and the symptoms associated with the food, it may help you figure out which foods and situations trigger your IBS symptoms.
Fiber makes stool easier to pass and less roughage can make it hard to have a bowel movement. The recommended fiber content is 38 grams per day for men. Fiber can be found in
Whole-grain bread and cereals
Fruits
Vegetables
Beans
Add a little fiber each day to give your body some time to get used to it. Fiber helps many people with IBS symptoms, but too much and too fast can make things worse. An addition of 2 or 3 grams per day is fine.
Another way to encourage bowel movements is to drink plenty of liquids like water and juice.
On the other hand, coffee, carbonated drinks, and alcohol have a dehydrating effect and can actually make IBS constipation worse.
you should avoid eating too many refined foods such as:
White bread
White rice
Certain cereals without fiber
Chips
Cookies
A high-protein, low-carb diet can make your constipation worse.
Enjoy your food chewing well and eat leisurely. Eating in a rush reduces the pleasure you get from a meal, and can actually trigger IBS symptoms.
As for your iron deficiency anemia, dietary iron and supplements may be required.
There are two forms of iron in the food- haem and non haem. Haem foods are the animal source like red meat, poultry and fish.
Very good source of haem iron are beef or chicken liver, clams, mussels and oysters. Beef , sardines and turkey also are rich in haem iron.
Plant foods such as lentils, beans, and spinach contain nonheme iron.
Tofu, pumpkin, sesame, squash seeds, lima beans, red kidney beans, chickpeas, split peas,dried apricots, baked potato broccoli, wheat germ, peanuts, pecans, walnuts, pistachios, roasted almonds, roasted cashews, sunflower seeds,dried seedless raisins, peaches, or prunes, spinach,green pepper are all good sources of non haem iron. Non haem iron is not as well absorbed as haem iron.This is the form of iron added to iron-enriched and iron-fortified foods.
If you have further queries, i shall be happy to share what I know.
Wish you good health.
Dr Noble Zachariah

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Brief Answer:
Peppermint may be helpful.

Detailed Answer:
Menthol and methyl salicylate are the main active ingredients of peppermint. They have anti-spasmodic actions, with calming effects on the muscles of the stomach and intestinal tract. They also have analgesic properties.
There is a product called Colpermin which is peppermint oil capsules and some of my patients, who have taken it say they find relief.
No harm in trying.
Hope it would be helpful.

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Brief Answer:
If you love it, try a little and see the response.

Detailed Answer:
The response to food is very individualistic.
Many people tolerate peanut butter in small amounts. If you love peanut butter, try a small amount and see how you tolerate it.
I am extremely happy if the interaction has helped you.
Cheers & Good Health.

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