Although it’s not widely known, 5-10% of the world’s population suffer from IBS, or Irritable Bowel Syndrome. This gastrointestinal disorder has no specific cause, and flares can stem from anything from dietary triggers, mental distress, or lactose intolerance.
Since a wide range of irritable bowel symptoms stems from IBS, it’s important to get it diagnosed. The good news is that there’s treatment available for sufferers.
There are medications for IBS that can help reduce abdominal pain. Finding the right medication doesn’t come cheap, so if you’re able to avoid certain foods with IBS, things will be easier.
Are you interested in some IBS food avoidance tips? Then keep reading to learn about foods to avoid with IBS.
Table of Contents
Fatty Foods
Fatty foods can make IBS symptoms worse. High-fat foods are hard to digest and can cause stomach pain, bloating, and inability to poop. They can also cause strong contractions in the digestive tract, causing pain, cramping, and changes in bowel movements.
Some fats can cause inflammation and change the bacteria in the gut. But it’s important to remember that not all fats are bad, and small amounts of good fats like those found in avocados and nuts are fine.
Spicy Foods
Spicy foods get their characteristic heat from chemicals like capsaicin. These compounds can irritate the lining of the gastrointestinal tract, which can make it more sensitive and cause inflammation. This irritation can cause abdominal pain, cramping, and discomfort.
It has been found that spicy foods make the stomach produce more gastric acid. This can cause heartburn or acid reflux, which can make the symptoms of IBS worse, especially in people who also have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
Certain Fruits
People with IBS may feel worse when they eat certain fruits. For people who are sensitive to fiber, fruits with a lot of fiber can cause gas, bloating, and stomach pain.
Some people experience stomach pain and acid reflux when they eat acidic foods like citrus fruits and tomatoes. But people’s reactions can be different, so it’s important to figure out which veggies make you sick and change your diet.
Beans and Legumes
One of the foods to avoid with IBS is legumes and beans. People with IBS can have trouble digesting these foods because they are also high in fiber. They also have oligosaccharides, which can be digested by bacteria in the gut and cause gas to be made.
Complex carbohydrates, lectins, and phytates, which are all found in beans and lentils, can also cause digestive problems. Symptoms may get better if you soak beans, start with smaller amounts, or choose dried beans that have been rinsed. Consulting with a healthcare professional or researching can help you get more info on this and can help you find suitable alternatives for protein sources.
Artificial Sweeteners
People with IBS may have diarrhea or stomach pain when they eat sugar-free gum, candies, or diet goods that contain artificial sweeteners. This is because artificial sweeteners can have a laxative effect. You might want to check food labels for these sweeteners and choose natural options if you want to avoid them.
Keep This Guide on What Foods to Avoid with IBS
When it comes to IBS, certain foods can have a negative impact on your symptoms. It’s important to steer clear of problem foods such as gluten, artificial sweeteners, and high-fat/fried foods.
With the help of your doctor, you can develop a diet plan that helps relieve your IBS symptoms. Consult with your doctor today to learn more about foods to avoid with IBS.
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