Avocados for Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Irritable bowel syndrome is a functional disorder of the gastrointestinal system that includes symptoms such as stomach cramps, gas, diarrhea and constipation. These symptoms often affect digestion so severely that they interrupt daily life and take time away from work and family. Avocados aid in healing for people suffering from digestive problems, and they are used as part of a low-residue diet for irritable bowel syndrome sufferers in need of controlling diarrhea.

Nutritional Value of Avocado

Previously thought to have harmful dietary contributions, the avocado is making a positive comeback. Avocado has the highest fiber of any fruit, 75 percent soluble and 25 percent insoluble, while also containing primarily monounsaturated fat, the "good" fat. Avocado is also rich in potassium, B vitamins, and vitamins E and K.

Dietary Benefits of Avocado

In addition to having a high-nutrient content, avocado also helps the body absorb nutrients. Avocado can be substituted into your diet as a lower-calorie, lower-fat item to replace spreads like mayonnaise, butter or sour cream. This can help reduce calories and fat while contributing fiber and nutrients and helping regulate digestion.

The Low-Residue Diet

Avocado is not necessarily a dietary staple for everyone suffering from irritable bowel syndrome. Some people need a high-fiber, low-fat diet that will control both constipation and diarrhea at the same time, which would not include the avocado. The low-residue diet includes foods like applesauce, tapioca, cream of rice, smooth peanut butter, low-fat mashed potatoes and avocados. On this diet, limit dairy products and stay away from fibrous and grainy foods. In addition to these foods, try to eat foods at room temperature rather than hot, drink liquids between meals rather than during, and try to rest after meals to allow digestion to begin.

Adding Avocado to Your Diet

Avocado slices added to sandwiches or toast in place of spreads like butter or mayonnaise can greatly reduce fat and cholesterol intake in addition to providing relief from the symptoms of irritable bowel. Avocado can be blended and used to make dips in place of mayonnaise or sour cream, providing the same nutritional and health benefits. Popular recipes that can be made at room temperature, in compliance with the low residue diet, are green salads with avocado.