6 types of irritable bowel syndrome trigger foods (2024)

FAQs

6 types of irritable bowel syndrome trigger foods? ›

Anything high in fat content like fatty meats, cold cuts, fried foods or foods cooked heavily in oil. Dairy, especially cheese can cause trouble for many people with IBS. Beverages in general pose a problem due to carbonation, sugar content or caffeine. Alcohol is also a common trigger and should be avoided or limited.

Anything high in fat content like fatty meats, cold cuts, fried foods or foods cooked heavily in oil. Dairy, especially cheese can cause trouble for many people with IBS. Beverages in general pose a problem due to carbonation, sugar content or caffeine. Alcohol is also a common trigger and should be avoided or limited.

Choose easier-to-digest proteins, such as eggs, chicken, turkey, fish, extra-firm tofu, and plain lactose-free greek yogurt. Lower-fat cooking methods, such as baking, roasting, steaming, boiling, and sautéing, can also help you avoid uncomfortable symptoms.

If you have IBS and love peanut butter, good news! Peanut butter is a low FODMAP food. In its simplest form, it is just made of dry roasted peanuts, salt and oil, all of which are allowed on a low FODMAP diet. However, some brands add refined sugar and flavourings to enhance the peanut butter's taste.

For example, if you suffer from IBS diarrhea symptoms, you'll want to eat lower fiber and easier to digest foods during this time. A large salad loaded with raw vegetables, while generally super healthy, will usually make things worse for an IBS patient.

Eggs. Eggs digest easily and are a safe choice for people with IBS. Eggs can be enjoyed hard-boiled, soft-boiled, scrambled, or poached. Omelets and frittatas can be your meal of choice for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, and make a great option when eating out in a restaurant.

Unripe bananas are low in FODMAPS and therefore a better choice for people with IBS — although they're not as sweet or soft as ripe bananas. However, as bananas ripen, they accumulate a type of FODMAP called oligofructans. Therefore, ripe bananas are considered a high FODMAP food (6, 7 ).

IBS pain is difficult to stop instantly, but things like OTC pain medication, a heating pad, gentle abdominal massage, deep breathing, yoga, and peppermint oil may help symptoms resolve more quickly.

Water intake might be associated with improvement of IBS through affecting GI function. Water intake might improve constipation among IBS-C patients. In addition, drinking water is a common suggestion for IBS-D patients to prevent diarrhea-induced dehydration.

Vegetables like broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage and cauliflower are high in sulfur and can cause bloating and gas. Try some of these vegetables to see if they are easier to digest: carrots, spinach, sweet potatoes, zucchini, green beans, celery and squash.

Is cheese bad for IBS? ›

Whilst lactose in cheese can trigger IBS symptoms, it may also be down to the high fat content. Even a low lactose cheese can cause IBS flare ups if eaten in excess. But cheese may be ok in small portions for many people with IBS. You don't need to go completely dairy free.

Fermented probiotic drinks, green smoothies, and green juices can be good options with IBS. Avoid high-FODMAP ingredients and excess sugar.

Baked and Boiled Potatoes

Some people with IBS find cooked potatoes are easy to digest, which is good news because baked or boiled potatoes are a natural source of nutrients like potassium. Depending on how well a person with IBS tolerates fiber, the skin of the potato may need to be removed before it's cooked.

Some people with IBS find cooked potatoes are easy to digest, which is good news because baked or boiled potatoes are a natural source of nutrients like potassium. Depending on how well a person with IBS tolerates fiber, the skin of the potato may need to be removed before it's cooked.

Even if you don't have celiac disease, you may have difficulty eating foods made with gluten-containing grains. That could be because they contain fructans, ​a type of FODMAP that is bothersome for many people with IBS. Gluten-containing foods include many popular items like pasta, bread, and baked goods.