Intestinal irritant trigger foods that IBS sufferers should avoid

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a digestive disorder that affects the work of the colon. Signs and symptoms include cramps, stomach pain, bloating, gas, and diarrhea or constipation. Some people with IBS can control symptoms of recurrence by avoiding symptom triggers. Here is a list of irritable bowel foods that people with IBS should avoid.

1. Gluten

The first food that triggers intestinal irritation is gluten. Gluten is a protein in wheat and flour that can cause allergies in some people. Some people with IBS also experience gluten intolerance conditions. Choose gluten-free foods if you have irritable bowel disease to avoid recurrence of symptoms. Make sure to read food labels before you buy them.

2. Sugar and artificial sweeteners

Some types of sugar and artificial sweeteners can cause stomach cramps, bloating, gas, and other intestinal discomfort when consumed by someone with IBS. Medical experts at the University of Maryland Medical Center recommend avoiding refined carbohydrates such as white rice, pasta, bread and flour, which the body will convert to sugar. Sugar and artificial sweeteners and other sugar substitutes are difficult for the body to absorb, especially if you have IBS.

You also need to avoid sugar substitutes such as sorbitol, sucralose, and aspartame. These ingredients are often found in unsweetened beverage products, chewing gum, and packaged foods.

3. Dairy products

Dairy products such as cheese, milk, ice cream, and butter are not recommended for consumption for people with IBS because of the fat content in them. Fat contained in dairy products can increase the risk of diarrhea in people with IBS. Additionally, people with IBS are usually lactose intolerant.

According to the National Institutes of Health, dairy products can cause negative reactions. For example, abdominal pain, bloating, and stomach aches. Even for people who have no lactose intolerance, milk fat, casein, and whey can be a problem.

4. Insoluble fiber

Foods that contain insoluble fiber can make diarrhea symptoms in people with IBS worse. Certain foods, such as whole grains, vegetables, and fruit, contain fiber that is difficult for people with IBS to digest. However, not all types of seeds, fruits and vegetables are bad for you.

Soluble fiber is still safe, so you can prioritize a variety of foods with soluble fiber in your daily menu. Sources of soluble fiber include peas, avocado, tofu, berries, mangoes, oranges, grapefruit, and carrots.

5. Fry

Frying foods such as French fries are not recommended for consumption by people with IBS. The reason is, the fat content can change the chemical structure of the food so that it is difficult to digest.

Cooking food by steaming, sautéing, or grilling is the preferred way of cooking.

6. Caffeine

Caffeine can stimulate intestinal contractions, which can cause diarrhea. Coffee, soda, tea, chocolate, and energy drinks that contain caffeine can be bad triggers for IBS sufferers. Try to avoid them to keep your digestive system healthy.

Although everyone with IBS has allergies and reactions to certain foods, avoiding irritating bowel foods can be one of the best ways to prevent the severity and recurrence of symptoms.