bout 15% of people in the US suffer from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), which is a chronic functional
gastrointestinal disorder. Even though it is caused by the abnormal work of the GI tract,
there are no discernible structural abnormalities, and tests come back as normal.
Scientists believe that IBS sufferers have different bacteria in the gut, which affect
a patient’s ability to digest certain foods.
This issue is more common in women than in men, and its symptoms include:
Bloating and gas
Feeling of fullness
Alternating constipation or diarrhea or both
Pain in the abdomen
Altered bowel habits.
Irritable bowel syndrome can be treated in various ways, and they all include lifestyle
changes. Also, making dietary changes is often one of the most effective ways to treat it.
Doctors recommend a low FODMAP diet for IBS patients, which stands for Fermentable, Oligo-,
Di, Monosaccharides, and Polyols.
The treatment and preventative measures are similar in people with IBS and participants
at higher risk for developing IBS.
A gluten-free diet is often one of the first lines of defense, as this protein can cause
irritation and illness in those who have a sensitivity to it, or to those who have Celiac
disease. Moreover, consider the following dietary tips:
Other dietary tips include:
Limit the intake of fructose, found in fruits and honey.
Reduce the use of sweeteners.
Limit the ingestion of lactose, which is found in dairy.
Increase the intake of soluble fiber, particularly Psyllium.
Reduce the intake of carbohydrates .
Additionally, make sure you exercise regularly, as a study has found that physical activity
lessened IBS symptoms. Also, even though stress is not identified as a cause of IBS, it undoubtedly
aggravates the symptoms of this disorder.
Therefore, you should find a way to release tension and relieve stress, and try yoga,
meditation, walking, reading, or whatever works for you.
If you already suffer from irritable bowel syndrome, your doctor has surely prescribed
medications such as antispasmodics for diarrhea and a trial of probiotics or laxatives for
constipation,
depending on the symptoms. You might also be instructed to take antidepressants to relieve
the symptoms.
Moreover, patients should avoid the following 20 foods as well:
Dairy products can cause symptoms like constipation, diarrhea, bloating, and cramps in lactose-intolerant
patients.
Wheat contains gluten and fructans, a type of carbohydrate-related to fructose, which
can trigger INS symptoms.
Cruciferous vegetables like kale, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts, are high in a sugar
called raffinose that its digested with difficulties.
Vegetables that contain a lot of FODMAP carbohydrates, such as beets, leeks, garlic, onions, mushrooms,
asparagus, can trigger IBS symptoms.
Fruits with pits, like cherries and peaches, are rich in fructose, which is one of the
FODMAP carbohydrates.
Fructose sources like honey, watermelon, pears, apples, blackberries, grapefruit, and high-fructose
corn syrup can also aggravate IBS symptoms.
Caffeinated drinks worsen IBS symptoms.
Beans and legumes are hard to digest due to the high amounts of carbs.
Chocolate contains numerous ingredients that can cause IBS, like caffeine, milk, and lots
of sugar.
Artificial sweeteners affect the digestive system and lead to IBS symptoms.
Fried and fatty foods are rich in fats which are difficult to digest and disrupt the balance
between the gut bacteria in the stomach.
Processed foods are fatty and hard to digest, and are rich in artificial sweeteners and
food additives.
Red meat is hard to digest, so focus on fish and poultry.
Rye is rich in fructans and triggers IBS symptoms.
Alcohol is differently digested in the body than other foods, so it reduces the function
of the digestive system and creates abnormally high amounts of stomach acid, which make the
stomach unable to ward off bacteria.
Foods rich in fiber can aggravate IBS symptoms in some cases and can increase gas and bloating.
Corn is rich in sugar and fiber, and it is difficult to digest, so replace it with creamed
corn or corn bran.
Carbonated drinks increase intestinal gas and cause bloating, as well as an imbalance
in the gut bacteria.
Chewing gums are rich in artificial sweeteners that worsen the symptoms, and leads to air
swallowing, which causes intestinal gas.
Spicy foods made with red chili peppers contain capsaicin that can lead to stomach pain and
increase the GI tract’s motility.