Irritable bowel syndrome, also known as IBS, spastic colon, irritable colon, mucous colitis is a bowel disorder that affects the large intestine. There are no well-defined tests to diagnose IBS, and the doctor is most likely to diagnose someone on the basis of the signs and symptoms they show.
IBS is often accompanied by various symptoms like diarrhea, cramping, abdominal pain, bloating, gas etc. and tend to last a couple of days. These symptoms are likely to get triggered by a myriad of reasons such as changes in gut bacteria, poor sleep, diet and stress.
The pain and discomfort felt by individuals suffering from IBS mostly is centered in the lower abdomen region or the entire abdomen and is one of the main recognizable symptoms. In order to prevent oneself from the rise of these symptoms, one has to understand and try to recognize what might be causing them in the first place.
Since irritable bowel syndrome is directly connected to the functioning of the intestines, it can be noted that the consumption of certain food items can make matters worse for the individuals battling it, which is why it is wise to follow a well-designed diet that can keep them from experiencing IBS symptoms very often.
IBS Foods to Avoid
Gluten: As per the experts, a gluten-free diet is highly beneficial for someone suffering from IBS. By taking away gluten from one’s diet, it becomes a little bit easier to manage the symptoms of the patient. Gluten is a group of protein found in food items like rye, wheat and barley, and by consuming these one risks the chances of getting diarrhea.
Dairy: Dairy can cause problems in individuals with irritable bowel syndrome as they are pretty high in fat and difficult to digest, hence causing diarrhea. Many people suffering from IBS suggest that consuming dairy products only makes their symptoms worse and would rather cut it off from their diets altogether. There are various dairy alternatives available which can be consumed in place of pure dairy products.
Fried food: Digesting fried food can be really stressful for the intestines of people with IBS, especially because of the high fat content they carry. Other than being extremely unhealthy, fried foods are also very difficult to digest because of the change in the chemical composition that they go through after getting fried. Replacing grilled or baked food with fried foods is a great alternative and much more IBS-friendly.
Processed food: Processed foods can be really hard on the gut and can be difficult to digest and cause cases of diarrhea, nausea, vomiting etc. The artificial chemicals added in many processed food items are another contributing factor behind them being really bad for IBS patients. One should completely steer clear of processed food and should try to have a fresh meal instead.
Beans and lentils: Although a great source of protein, beans, pulses and legumes are not good for irritable bowel syndrome and might cause its symptoms to arise. Consuming too many beans can lead to constipation and also cause other gastric issues like bloating, cramps etc. Avoiding beans is highly recommended if one has IBS and suffers from its symptoms.
Caffeine: Caffeine containing food and drinks are a big no for people with IBS as it causes diarrhea and is a major in many cases. Especially consuming coffee everyday can really affect one’s digestive system and lead to problems. The same can be said for chocolates and they should also be avoided.
Alcohol: Consuming too much alcohol can lead to severe dehydration and trigger IBS symptoms in people. They are also really complex to digest and often contain gluten and extra added sugar in them, all of which are not good for an individual with an IBS condition. Limiting alcohol intake is suggested and should be consumed with copious amounts of water in tow.
Apart from avoiding these foods and curtailing their intake in one’s diet, it is necessary to add food items that are good and nutritious for the body. Individuals with IBS should try to consume food items such as quinoa, whole-wheat bread, buckwheat, almond flour, greens, sardines, fish, lean meat etc.
Visiting a specialist and coming up with a smart diet plan is also a really good idea and should be paid heed to. It’s also almost impossible to always avoid ingesting all of the foods and drinks mentioned above but consuming them in moderation can be done. Taking proper medication and supplements for IBS can also be helpful.