Unfortunately, some foods have a reputation for being IBS trigger foods because of their effect on yourdigestive system.
But every person with IBS responds to food differently.
This article looks at 11 common foods that may worsen IBS symptoms.
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Food with a high fat content can increase the strength of these intestinal contractions.
Lactose intolerance can lead to digestive symptoms like bloating, cramping, anddiarrhea.
Common dairy products include:
You may find that you could enjoy some cheeses that have low lactose levels.
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These include Brie, Camembert, mozzarella, and Parmesan.
Some people are also able to enjoy lactose-free milk products.
Foods higher in FODMAPs may cause problems for people who have IBS.
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That’s because they contain types of sugars that are not absorbed well by the small intestine.
Many people with IBS report that they have some difficulty with raw fruits.
However, cooking fruits may make them easier for your system to handle.
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High-FODMAP Vegetables
Like fruits, vegetables are an important part of a healthy diet.
However, some vegetables are also high in FODMAPs.
You may need to limit these vegetables if you have IBS.
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Don’t avoid vegetables altogether, though.
Vegetables are essential for your overall health and thehealth of your gut bacteria.
Like fruits, some vegetables may be harder to tolerate if they areeaten raw.
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You may find you’ve got the option to handle vegetables better if they are cooked orjuiced.
People withceliac diseasecannot eat a protein called gluten.
This protein is found in some whole grains like wheat, rye, and barley.
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Even if you don’t have celiac disease, you may have difficulty eating foods made with gluten-containing grains.
Gluten-containing foods include many popular items like pasta, bread, and baked goods.
Fortunately, gluten-free options are fairly easy to find.
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This is because beans and legumes contain carbohydrates that are poorly digested.
Thus, they are available for gut bacteria to feed on, which often results in intestinal gas.
Sometimes small amounts of well-rinsed, canned lentils or chickpeas are well tolerated by people with IBS.
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Spicy Foods
Chili peppers are a common ingredient in spicy foods.
They are usually the culprit that sets your mouth aflame.
They taste sweet but dont contain sugar.
They are often poorlytoleratedand may produce gas, bloating, and diarrhea.
The high amount of sugar in regular soda may add to an imbalance in your gut bacteria.
This can lead to further gas.
Diet soda is no better if your gut reacts negatively to artificial sweeteners.
Water, iced tea, or dilutedcranberry juiceare healthier options.
Rum, in particular, is high in FODMAPs, and so are many mixers.
This doesn’t mean it’s possible for you to’t occasionally enjoy a drink.
However, your safest bet is probably to stick to a small amount of red wine.
Gradually decreasing the caffeine content can ease these symptoms.
It may be worth trying, though, to see if your IBS symptoms improve.
Summary
IBS is a condition that results in abdominal pain, bloating, and diarrhea.
Often, certain foods trigger IBS attacks.
Learning which foods trigger your attacks can help you manage your IBS.
You may find keeping a food diary helps you pinpoint which foods affect you.
Foods that are high in FODMAPs contain types of sugars that are poorly absorbed by the small intestine.
These are found in certain beans, grains, fruits, and vegetables.
In addition, alcohol, caffeine, artificial sweeteners, and spicy foods are common IBS culprits.
Dont be afraid to seek help to find relief and regain control of your digestive health.
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