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There are several foods to avoid with IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome). It is a chronic health issue that can cause uncomfortable symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, gas, changes in bowel habits, bloating, and more. Certain foods can make your symptoms even worse; thus, avoiding them is the best thing you can do.
If you have irritable bowel syndrome, knowing what foods to avoid and what to eat can help reduce your symptoms and manage your condition. With that said, here's a list of common foods that trigger IBS.
6 foods to avoid with IBS
While food triggers vary from one IBS patient to another, certain food groups are more likely to worsen the symptoms. These include:
1) Fruits
One of the worst foods to avoid with IBS is fruits. Although fruits are a good addition to a healthy diet, they can trigger IBS and make the symptoms more uncomfortable.
This is because fruits contain fiber and enhance the digestive system's water content. Fruits such as apples and kiwis might help with constipation, but they might worsen diarrhea symptoms.
Other fruits that may worsen the symptoms of IBS include:
- mangoes
- cherries
- grapefruits
- custard apple
- pears
- watermelons
- blackberries
- plums
- apricots
Fruits that may be good for people with IBS include oranges, guava, cantaloupes, bananas, cranberries, limes, strawberries, and boyenberries.
2) Insoluble fiber foods
Insoluble fiber items are also some of the worst foods to avoid with IBS. This is because insoluble fiber passes through the body unchanged and adds bulk to the stool.
While this fiber group usually helps with constipation, people with other IBS symptoms, such as diarrhea and gas, might find it difficult to digest. Always opt for foods with higher soluble fiber content, such as oatmeal and root vegetables like carrots, melons, and peas.
3) Fried foods
Fried and fatty foods such as burgers, fries, wraps, and other fast-food items may also trigger IBS. This is because fatty foods slow down digestion and lead to uncomfortable symptoms, including nausea, stomach pain, bloating, and acid reflux (heartburn).
If you have IBS, avoid consuming greasy foods like fried chicken, fatty meats, and pizza. Instead, opt for foods loaded with polysaturated or mono-saturated fats as they are healthy and have good kinds of fat.
4) Pulses and legumes
Foods to avoid with IBS include legumes and pulses, which may trigger IBS as they are high in fiber. This food includes beans, split peas, lentils, and chickpeas.
However, medical experts believe that consuming them in moderation or using specific cooking procedures might reduce the risk of pulses, particularly triggering IBS symptoms.
5) Dairy products
People with irritable bowel syndrome should also avoid the consumption of dairy products. This is because they are high in lactose and can worsen the symptoms of IBS. Dairy product foods to avoid with IBS include:
- goat or cow's milk
- kefir
- yogurt
- condensed milk
- evaporated milk
People with IBS should consume lactose-free dairy alternatives and products from coconut, soy, or almond milk.
6) High-sugar foods
Foods to avoid with IBS also include food products high in refined sugar. Excess sugar and artificial sweeteners may trigger or worsen irritable bowel syndrome, and, in some cases, they might even lead to inflammation in the body. High-sugar foods to avoid with IBS include:
- cakes
- candies
- sodas
- ice cream
- sweetened beverages
Alongside these, people with IBS should also avoid alcohol, processed and spicy foods, caffeine, rye and whole wheat products, and cruciferous vegetables like cabbage and cauliflower.
Foods to eat with IBS
The following foods and food types may be safe and suitable for people with irritable bowel syndrome. These include:
- fruits such as lychee, guava, oranges, coconut, and cantaloupe
- dairy alternatives such as almond or soy milk
- proteins such as eggs, tofu, fish, and chicken
- vegetables such as cucumber, green beans, and seaweed
- soluble fiber food items such as oats and quinoa
While these foods are a good choice for people with irritable bowel syndrome, it is best to consult a doctor before consuming them to ensure they suit your individual IBS symptoms. Also, do not make any dietary changes without consulting your doctor, especially if you have IBS or other gut health problems.
