Diet For IBS: What Foods To Avoid?
Have you been diagnosed as being one of the estimated 30 to 55 million people in the United States who suffers from Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)? IBS can be a very problematic condition that can affect your life substantially if left uncontrolled. We discuss Irritable Bowel Syndrome in greater length in our article, IBS Causes & Symptoms.
Although living with IBS is difficult, alleviating your symptoms may be as easy as avoiding the foods that cause you to become symptomatic. Keep in mind that food does not cause your IBS symptoms, but some foods simply aide in aggravating these symptoms. At this point, you are likely to have already noticed that there are indeed foods that cause your problems to worsen.
The goal of changing your diet is to avoid these foods that can trigger a spastic colon and the symptoms of IBS.
Foods to Avoid
Although being on a restricted diet is no fun, IBS is certainly no “picnic at the beach” either. Some of your favorite foods may be providing the means for your IBS to cause you problems. Despite the fact there is no specific guideline to follow there are some foods that are known to have the potential for aggravating the digestive system. These foods include:
- fried or greasy foods
- fatty foods
- spicy foods
- gas producing veggies like broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, and Brussels sprouts
- lentils, dried peas, beans
- dairy products
- chocolate
- carbonated beverages
- chewing gum (air is swallowed during the process of chewing gum, causing worsening of symptoms)
You should also avoid foods that are high in sugar and starch, or that are overly processed. In addition, caffeine, alcohol, and foods containing the artificial sweeteners sorbitol and xylitol may worsen diarrhea in IBS patients. Even though it is suggested to increase your fiber uptake, there are some whole grains that have been known to be irritants. These include wheat, rye, and barley.
Many people who suffer from IBS have found it a good idea to avoid eating red meats because some symptoms can be triggered by the meat. Limiting and avoiding some of these foods can be a difficult process for those suffering with IBS. It is extremely important to know that all it takes is simple planning to help you lead a productive and healthy life with IBS.
Triggers are Inconsistent in Many IBS Sufferers
Just as some foods may irritate the symptoms of IBS in one person, another person may find that the food doesn’t increase their IBS symptoms at all. It is also important to know that a food that bothers you at one meal can possible be non-irritating at another meal. Eating a very large meal may worsen symptoms, regardless of the foods that have been eaten.
Through the process of trial and error, you will be able to determine which of the foods in your diet are likely to make your IBS flare up, and simply avoid those foods or eat them in moderation.
Keeping a Food Diary
One sure-fire way of getting to the bottom of what should be on your list of foods to avoid for IBS is to keep a detailed food diary. In your food diary, write down everything that you eat or drink for a period of around two weeks. Note the time of day that you consumed the food or beverage, and also note the time of day of any IBS symptoms that you experience.
By comparing flare-ups with your food consumption patterns, you will gain a better understanding of exactly what foods and beverages worsen your IBS symptoms – and simply avoid those foods.
