Foods that may trigger irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

Foods that may trigger irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

Irritable bowel syndrome is more commonly referred to as IBS. It produces symptoms such as pain or discomfort and really hampers with the bowel habits of the affected person. The affected person either need to go to the restroom more often due to diarrhea or may constantly experience constipation. IBS typically affects approximately 25 to 40 million Americans, out of which most are women. All of us know that typically a balanced diet is required in order to absorb the important nutrition. However, when somebody is affected with IBS, they may notice that the symptoms pertaining to this disease may worsen after consuming certain food items. Some of the foods, which end up triggering IBS include:

Items with insoluble fiber
Even though fiber is crucial for one’s growth, it has been found that the insoluble kind worsens symptoms of IBS such as diarrhea. It is advisable to consume foods with soluble fiber instead. For instance, foods such as grains like barley and oats, carrots, legumes, and grapefruit are all quite useful in keeping the fiber intake of the body high.

Gluten
Gluten is a kind of protein which does not suit some people. Consuming it may produce the Celiac’s disease, which is quite similar to IBS. Many people who have IBS do not ingest gluten well. Good news is that there is an increasingly high number of gluten-free products in the market. So, one does not have to give up on their favorite food items anymore.

Fried foods
While all of us simply know of the unhealthy effects of consuming fried foods, it is a lesser known fact that frying the food too much twists the chemical make-up of the food completely. The high-fat content gets painfully hard on the system of people suffering from IBS. Hence, choosing baked or grilled items is a wise move if one is suffering from IBS.

Dairy products
Dairy products mainly consist of fat which may trigger IBS, and typically, people suffering from this condition suffer through lactose intolerance. In case, one is worried about cutting out dairy from their diet, then they can switch to healthier options, which mainly consist of almond milk or soy cheese while also asking the doctor to prescribe supplements for calcium.

Caffeinated drinks
While most people tend to be addicted to coffee and cannot really go through a bowel movement without consuming it, there is a large population affected with IBS, which does not react well to caffeinated drinks. It also has an effect on the intestines whereby it may cause diarrhea. Hence, we strongly recommend that one goes for a quick walk or consumes a small snack whenever they need a quick fix of energy.

Other foods
Some other foods that may trigger an individual’s IBS include:

  • Legumes and beans
  • Chocolate
  • Sugar-free sweeteners
  • Cauliflower
  • Garlic and onions

If one is suffering from IBS, it is advisable to consult a doctor to get treatment in order. Additionally, it is extremely helpful to create a diet plan in accordance with the doctor’s recommendations.