Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) - Diet, lifestyle and medicines (2024)

FAQs

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) - Diet, lifestyle and medicines? ›

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.

The first-line treatment is usually to change your diet and eat more fiber. Getting regular exercise can also help move stool through your bowels. If these strategies do not work, doctors may suggest laxatives or medication.

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.

It turns out some very healthy foods like apples, pears and dried fruits are naturally high in fructose, which when ingested, can trigger some of the same side effects as undigested lactose. Fruits lower in fructose, such as berries, citrus and bananas, may be a better choice for people with IBS.

The foods that are worst for IBS are often high-FODMAP foods like: Beans, which can cause gas and bloating even in people without IBS. Cruciferous vegetables, such as broccoli, cabbage, kale and Brussels sprouts.

As many of you know, salads are a nutritious powerhouse chock full of antioxidants, healthy fats, and lean proteins. They are also a great source of fiber, a nutrient that is essential to gut health whether you have IBS-C, IBS- D, or IBS-M. Fiber not only helps you stay regular, but it also helps bind stool.

Is peanut butter good for IBS? ›

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.

Using some general guidelines in bread choices can help reduce your symptom flares. Sourdough bread is often better tolerated with IBS. The fermenting process that makes it rise helps break down some gluten and FODMAPS. If you are prone to constipation, ingredients like oats or ground flax may help.

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.

The reasons why IBS develops are not clear. It can occur after a bacterial infection or a parasitic infection (giardiasis) of the intestines. This is called postinfectious IBS. There may also be other triggers, including stress.

Some things can make IBS symptoms worse. The two things most likely to make your IBS symptoms worse are the foods you eat and having emotional stress. Diet. Eating makes your colon muscles move or contract.

A true food allergy rarely causes IBS . But many people have worse IBS symptoms when they eat or drink certain foods or beverages. These include wheat, dairy products, citrus fruits, beans, cabbage, milk and carbonated drinks. Stress.

They may be triggered by food or drink. IBS flare-ups can happen for no obvious reason. Sometimes they have a trigger like: alcohol.