What To Eat And What Not To Eat In IBS
Are you troubled with abdominal pain, diarrhea alternating with constipation, belly cramps, or bloating? Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) might be the reason behind this discomfort. IBS can have long lasting problems, hence managing it well is important.
According to a study published by U.S. National Institute of Health, making certain dietary modification may help sabotage the symptoms of IBS. Learn here in detail about foods to eat and not to eat in IBS.
What to Eat in IBS?
Some food options for an IBS patients include the following:
Boost your fiber intake

Always consider increasing your daily intake of fiber slowly, by 2 to 3 grams
per day until it reaches 25 grams/day for women and 38 grams/day for
men. Because including too much fiber at once in your diet can cause gas and may trigger IBS symptoms.
Also,
if you suffer from diarrhea consider having soluble fibers, while
those who suffer from constipation should opt for insoluble fibers. Here is the list of food items that are rich in soluble and insoluble fibers:
- Soluble fibers are found in oranges, strawberries, blueberries, cucumbers and carrots.
- Insoluble fibers includes zucchini, broccoli, cabbage, grapes, and root vegetables.
Eat healthy protein and low-FODMAP foods

Fishes,
lean meat, and turkey some of the healthy protein sources, which is
easier to digest. Prepare them by grilling, steaming or baking with
little or no oil.
Vegetarians should opt for soy products such as
soybeans, soy milk, grains like quinoa, and nuts and seeds like almonds,
walnuts, chia seeds, poppy seeds and pumpkin seeds. These are low-FODMAP (Fermentable, Oligosaccharide, Disaccharide, Monosaccharide, And Polyols) and healthy protein-rich foods, which is considered best diet for IBS.
What Not To Eat In IBS?
Here's a list of foods that you need to 'avoid' when you’'e suffering from IBS:
Avoid fruits with high fructose content and cruciferous vegetables

Certain vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, and brussels sprouts, onions, leeks, and asparagus cause gas and abnormal bowel movements. Similarly, high fructose content fruits such as apples, pears, and watermelon can worsen the symptoms of IBS. Hence, any one suffering from an IBS condition should avoid these fruits and veggies.
Go for fruits that are lower in fructose, such as banana, blueberry, boysenberry, cantaloupe, cranberry, grape, orange, lemon, lime, kiwi and strawberry for better alternatives.
Say no to caffeine

Caffeine triggers the symptoms of IBS such as diarrhea, gas, or bloating, hence caffeine rich drinks such as coffee, tea, and soda should be avoided.
Better go for juices made from cranberries, bananas, grapefruits, lemons, grapes, and pineapples. Or sip on herbal tea such as lemon honey tea, chamomile tea, or mint tea to satiate your tea-yearning taste buds.
Restrict intake of dairy products

IBS patients usually suffer from lactose intolerance. Hence, dairy products such as milk, cheese, cottage cheese, ice cream, butter must be restricted in the diet of IBS patients.
Consider oat milk, rice milk, or soy milk as good alternatives to cow’s milk. Use olive oil in place of butter.
Making a stepwise changes in your lifestyle — with a low-fat diet, exercise, and avoidance of alcohol and cigarette smoking — will certainly bring a great relief from the IBS. However, for people who still need help, IBS is treated with some anti-cholinergic medicines and antidepressants.
For any query related to inflammatory bowel syndrome, you can consult a Gastroenterologist at www.healthcaremagic.com
Ask a Specialist
Q - I am attaching the 3 Thyroid Profile test report for review
A - Hello and welcome here, Please upload the reports so that I am better ale to help. You can also email them at YYYY@YYYY and address it to my name: Dr Vaishalee Punj Regards, Dr Vaishalee...
Q - Suggest me what should I do and reason behind my blood pressure
A - Hello and welcome here, A cardiologist is currently unavailable. I am MBBS, MD Pharmacology and I will try to address your concerns. A blood pressure of 142/95 is not very high. However it can be ...
Q - Can you please help me, read the medical report, if anything need attention
A - Hi, Welcome to AskaDoctor 24×7! The increase in TSH levels does require attention. Usually we prescribe medicine when TSH is more than 10. Also free T3 and free T4 levels are required before start...
Q - I am feeling tired everyday my vitamin D and bilirubin is low
A - Hello, Thank you for using Ask A Doctor-24x7. For managing vitamin D deficiency : Dietary changes: Follow vitamin D rich diet including chicken fish, dairy products, mushrooms and vitamin D fortif...
Q - Do I need to postpone chemotherapy I need to take Nexium and Dexamethasone before chemotherapy?
A - Hello Thanks for query .You are scheduled for Chemotherapy next week for Cancer of Lung and your blood test has revealed your Sr Creatinine level to be 90 which is slightly higher than normal .In abs...
Q - I have had an mri scan as I have a swelling near my ear
A - Hi, Thanks for your query Lymphovascular malformations do not any surgical correction unless there is an indication. No, medication can help to get rid Of the same. Need not worry, they usually ...
Q - My mum had rectal cancer and pancreatic cancer so I am worried sick
A - Hi, Thanks for your query I would like to know some more details like Are the stools foul smelling? Is the stool frequency increased ? Do you feel hungry often ? Waiting for your response ...
Q - I need assistance reviewing the full-body blood test report
A - Hi, Thanks for your query Please share the report via email to YYYY@YYYY nad YYYY@YYYY Waiting for your response ...
Q - Based on my results, are there any specific dietary changes I should consider?
A - Hi, Thanks for your query I will try to answer your questions sequentially Based on my results, are there any specific dietary changes I should consider? HBA1c is a bit high and sits in pre dia...
Q - Do suggest as you might know and interact different people or different ages
A - Hello Thanks for the query. Early greying of hairs has become very common. Multiple factors like genetics, diet, pollution and other environmental factors as well as stress are contributors to this. ...
Respiratory Health Eye Health Stress Relationship Sex Healthy Food Bone Health Vitamins & Minerals Cancer Hypertension Heart Health Nutrition Weight Loss Fatigue Alcohol Sleep Addiction Fitness Home Remedies Skin Acne Mental Health Depression Herbal Drink Women Health Diabetes Joint Pain STD Obesity Kids Health Cold & Flu Pain Hair Yoga & Meditation Kidney Health Oral Health Essential Oil Liver Health Hearing Issues Accident & Emergency Health Men Health Ayurveda Thyroid Infection Lung Health Immunity Headache Kids And Adolescent Seasonal Conditions Respiratory Health Cold & Flu Herbal Drink Pregnancy Yoga Diet Cold Kids Lungs Diabetes Sex & Relationship Women's Health Brain Health Inflammations Immune Health Skin Health Infections Mens Health Skincare
166 answers / hour
Quick doctor answers
18,000+ doctors
Join the doctor network
1.6 Million+ answers
Across 74+ specialties