Foods To Avoid For People With IBS

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a condition that is a digestive condition characterized by chronic stomach pain, bloating, irregular bowel movements, diarrhea, and/or constipation. It's estimated that upwards of 15% of the United States suffers from IBS, many of whom do not even realize it. While there's no known cure for IBS, individuals can prevent symptoms from occurring by avoiding the consumption of certain foods. 

Brussels Sprouts

Although they are loaded in beneficial nutrients like vitamin K, vitamin C, vitamin B6, folate, manganese and fiber, brussels sprouts should be avoided by people with IBS. This fun-sized vegetable can worsen the symptoms of IBS by promoting excess gas and abdominal pain. While each and every case of IBS is unique, most people report adverse symptoms after consuming Brussels sprouts.

Broccoli

Another food that you should avoid is broccoli. This crunchy, stalky vegetable is high in fiber and it promotes gas - two elements that can worsen IBS symptoms. It's important to note, however, that cooking broccoli may eliminate some or all of its negative effects. So if raw, uncooked  broccoli triggers a bout of IBS, try steaming or sauteing it. Doing so may allow you to reap the nutritional benefits of this vegetable without irritating your digestive system.

The truth is taht any high fiber vegetable may cause digestive issues in people with IBS, so don't assume that broccoli and brussels sprouts are the only culprits.

Milk

You may want to think twice before eating a milk filled bowl of cereal for breakfast in the morning, as it can worsen IBS symptoms. Normally, the small intestines do a pretty good job of breaking down lactose. If there is not enough enzymes to perform this operation, however, some of it will travel to the large intestine where it ferments. Not only will this cause gas, but it can also cause bloating, cramps, spasms, and diarrhea.

Beans

It should come as no surprise that beans is on our list of foods for IBS sufferers to avoid. Beans (legumes) contain a special type of sugar known as oligosaccharide, which the body is unable to break down. Since they aren't broken down in the same manner as other sugars, oligosaccharides pass through the small and large intestines, at which point bacteria converts them to gas.