Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a chronic disorder that is characterized by symptoms such as diarrhea, constipation, or a combination of both accompanied by abdominal cramps, gas, and bloating. The exact cause of this condition isn’t determined but researchers suspect it has something to do with the brain and gut miscommunication. Typically, persons suffering from IBS have distinctive triggers, something that can aggravate the symptoms. Certain types of foods largely make a part of those triggers; therefore, one should pay special attention to their diet.

Dairy – There are two main concerns regarding dairy, first it can cause diarrhea due to its high-fat content. So patients might have to switch to nonfat or low-fat alternatives to keep the symptoms at bay. Secondly, a considerable number of individuals with IBS suffer from lactose intolerance. Therefore, they should keep a close watch on how their body reacts when they have dairy products. If the symptoms begin to project immediately after consuming dairy products, then the patients should consider completely cutting it off from their IBS diet plan.

Refined sugars – Chocolates, candies, pastries, cakes, and cookies containing refined sugars, causing bacterial overgrowth in the intestine and triggering IBS symptoms of gas, abdominal pain, diarrhea, constipation, and bloating. Giving up sugar can be extremely tough, however, one can replace it with natural sweeteners, which can prove to be beneficial in the long run. Likewise, artificial sweeteners encompass elements like sucralose, acesulfame potassium, and aspartame that can be hard for the intestines to absorb. Therefore, it is better to avoid such sweeteners as well.

Gluten – The insoluble fiber in grains like barley, rye, or wheat contains a protein named gluten that some people are allergic to. This allergy is known as Celiac disease which can lead to poor absorption of essential nutrients. On the other hand, some people may plainly suffer from gluten intolerance causing indigestion. Research shows some evidence that gluten intolerance might have a strong hand in contributing to the development of IBS. Therefore, one needs to discuss the possibility of gluten intolerance with their doctor and consider better substitutes in their IBS diet plans.

Fried and processed foods – Both fried and processed foods can prove to be heavy on the intestines. The fried foods have a high-fat content, making digestion a tougher process. Similarly, processed foods are packed with additives and preservatives that are detrimental to the intestinal health due to their poor nutrient content.

Alcohol – Frequently having alcohol can have long-lasting negative effects on the gut. Variants like beer contain gluten, which can be a problem for people with Celiac disease. Moreover, it can cause dehydration which can hinder the smooth functioning of the intestines and the liver. In such cases, one can consider having gluten-free beers or drinks that aren’t mixed with sugars or artificial sugars.

It is not necessary that all the foods mentioned above can trigger IBS. Therefore, it is important for one to understand how their body works. If it gets difficult to keep tabs, then it is advisable to maintain a written record of the triggers so that one doesn’t overlook any possibilities while designing the right IBS diet plan.