Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a fairly common condition of the large intestine.
Cramping, abdominal pain, bloating, gas, diarrhea or constipation, or both are all signs and symptoms. IBS is a chronic ailment that requires long-term management.
In many cases, people with IBS can manage their symptoms by adjusting their food, lifestyle, and stress levels. Symptoms that are more severe can be managed with medication and counseling.
When it comes to food, certain foods can make this condition worse. Here are 7 types of food to avoid if you have IBS.
7 Foods To Avoid With IBS
1. Foods High In Insoluble Gluten
Whole-grain foods and vegetables include a high concentration of insoluble fiber. Insoluble fibers, such as wheat bran, may exacerbate pain and bloat.
2. Foods High In Gluten
Gluten is a group of proteins present in grains such as rye, wheat, and barley that may cause issues for certain people with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Cereals, grains, pasta, bread, baked products, crackers, and granola are all examples of this.
3. Beans And Legumes
Beans, lentils, and peas are generally fantastic sources of protein and fiber, but they can cause IBS symptoms. They include chemicals known as oligosaccharides that are resistant to digestion by digestive enzymes.
4. Onions And Garlic
Onions and garlic are both members of a category of carbohydrates known as FODMAPs. Raw garlic and onions can cause painful gas and cramping, and even prepared versions of these items can be triggers.
5. Dairy Products
Numerous varieties of dairy products are heavy in fat, which can cause diarrhea. Switching to low-fat or fat-free dairy products may help alleviate your symptoms.
Many people with irritable bowel syndrome claim that drinking milk triggers their symptoms. However, it is unknown if those with irritable bowel syndrome are more likely to have absolute lactose intolerance.
6. Fried Foods
Too much fried food can harm your health. The high-fat content may be complex for IBS sufferers.
7. Processed Foods
Processed meat and other processed foods are not suitable for people with IBS as it may have additives that can cause symptoms and is high in fat.
5 Treatment Options For IBS
1. Diet
Since different meals can affect people in different ways, maintaining an IBS symptom log might help you and your doctor find out foods you can eat and which ones to stay away from. Certain foods to avoid are those mentioned above, plus others such as chocolate and caffeine.
2. OTC Medications
To relieve diarrhea, your doctor may recommend OTC remedies such as bismuth subsalicylate (Kaopectate, Pepto-Bismol) and loperamide (Imodium).
3. Prescription Medications
For IBS-D, doctors may prescribe a modest dose of amitriptyline, imipramine (Tofranil), or nortriptyline (Aventyl, Pamelor). Antispasmodics like dicyclomine (Bentyl) and hyoscyamine (Levsin) assist relax the muscles.
4. Stress Therapies
Stress exacerbates IBS symptoms. So therapies that teach you to manage your emotions can often provide comfort.
5. Probiotics
Probiotics, “good” bacteria ordinarily found in the gut, may also aid some patients with IBS.
