IBS or irritable bowel syndrome is a common disorder causing several abdominal symptoms such as constipation, diarrhoea, cramps & bloating. While the main cause of irritable bowel syndrome is undiscovered, experts believe that sudden changes to the diet and lifestyle may affect the condition significantly. IBS can be treated by colonic hydrotherapy in London. Complimenting this, see below a list of foods to avoid and some dietary advice for people with irritable bowel syndrome.

Foods that trigger IBS

Although people with irritable bowel syndrome have several food triggers, some food products or items can trigger IBS symptoms. They include:

Fruits:

Common fruits include apricots, apples, mangoes, cherries, blackberries, plums, peaches, nectarines, watermelon, ripe bananas and pears.

Vegetables:

Some vegetables include asparagus, cabbage, mushrooms, green peas, sweetcorn, soybeans, artichokes, cauliflower, garlic, onions, snap peas, and snow peas

Pulses:

Chickpeas, lentils and beans.

Dairy products:

Common dairy products include ice cream, cottage cheese, milk and sour cream.

Insoluble fibre:

Insoluble fibres are whole grains, corn, bran, nuts, and the skins of vegetables and fruits.

Wheat & rye products:

Bread & other baked products, as well as items, like sauces containing wheat flour for thickening.

Sweeteners:

Common sweeteners include corn syrup (high fructose), honey and artificial sweeteners, like maltitol, sorbitol, or xylitol.

People should also avoid partially baked bread, whole grains and processed foods like potato chips. Apart from that, other food items that can cause or worsen irritable bowel syndrome include:

• Alcohol
• Spicy foods
• Dairy products
• Gluten-containing foods
• Fatty foods, like fried foods
• High sugar foods

What to eat as an alternative?

People with IBS may add the following foods to their diet as an alternative. These are:

Fruits:

Fruits include grapes, cantaloupe, blueberries, oranges, strawberries and kiwis.

Vegetables:

Common vegetables include eggplant, carrots, spinach, green beans, sweet potatoes and squash.

Dairy alternatives:

Some recommended lactose-free items or soy, rice and almond. Oat alternatives can also be a good option.

Yoghurt:

Many professionals claim that probiotics in yoghurt can help to treat IBS symptoms.

Soluble fibre:

Soluble fibres are mainly found in psyllium, oats as well as vegetables and fruits. These types of fibres can control bowel movement.

Sweeteners:

Maple syrup without corn syrup (high fructose) or stevia can be used as an alternative to sweeteners.

Please note that these foods may not remove all your IBS symptoms but they can help in the reduction of symptoms. Eating nutritious foods and maintaining a proper diet can help to reduce the risk of irritable bowel syndrome or IBS.