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

FAQs

What is the number one trigger for IBS? ›

Refined or Processed Foods

Chips, cookies, crackers etc. are all highly processed and can trigger IBS. These foods are hard for anyone to digest so can be especially bad for those with IBS.

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.

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.

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.

Lettuce is a low FODMAP vegetable that's also very low in fiber. As such, it's unlikely to trigger or worsen your IBS symptoms. In fact, it may even ease your symptoms due to its low FODMAP content. That said, trigger foods are highly individual and may affect certain people differently.

Traditional pasta, which is typically made from wheat, contains gluten and high levels of FODMAPs (Fermentable Oligosaccharides, Disaccharides, Monosaccharides, and Polyols). These are types of carbohydrates that can trigger IBS symptoms in sensitive individuals.

What can I drink to get rid of IBS? ›

The healthiest way to flush your colon is to drink more water, increase your fiber intake, and make regular time for physical exercise. Try to have three or more bowel movements a week. Talk with a doctor about other ways to prevent constipation and avoid the overuse of laxatives.

Poorly coordinated signals between the brain and the intestines can cause your body to overreact to changes that typically occur in the digestive process. This can result in pain, diarrhea or constipation. Severe infection. IBS can develop after a severe bout of diarrhea caused by bacteria or a virus.

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.