Worst Foods for IBS Sufferers (2024)

FAQs

What foods trigger IBS the most? ›

Legumes, or beans, are often called the “musical fruit” because they contain indigestible saccharides. Baked beans, chickpeas, lentils and soybeans have high amounts. So IBS patients should avoid them, or eat them in very small quantities.

Summary. You can ease your IBS symptoms by eating a balanced diet that is low in FODMAPs and saturated fat. These include lean meats, eggs, fatty fish, leafy greens, nuts, seeds, and fruits that are lower in sugar. Fermented foods may also be good for the gut flora in you have IBS.

People look at foods such as fruits, vegetables, and certain grains, thinking they're eating healthy—however, in an IBS patient, some of these foods can trigger symptoms. Some of the best foods for IBS include: Eggs. Eggs are easy to digest and don't upset the colon.

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.

You may find that lettuce happens to trigger your IBS symptoms despite its low fiber content. If so, you can try replacing it with other low FODMAP vegetables and leafy greens. For instance, spinach, arugula, kale, and Swiss chard make great substitutes for lettuce when making a salad.

Peanut Butter is a Low FODMAP Food

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.

Some people with IBS find cooked potatoes are easy to digest, which is good news because baked or boiled potatoes are a natural source of nutrients like potassium. Depending on how well a person with IBS tolerates fiber, the skin of the potato may need to be removed before it's cooked.

Cream, cheese, milk, butter, and other dairy products contain lactose, a type of sugar found in cow's milk. Unfortunately, that means that ice cream and pizza may not be your friends. Excess lactose can be difficult to digest and often causes gas, bloating, and diarrhea for those with IBS.

What are 5 foods to avoid if you have IBS? ›

Change the Way You Eat

Some simple changes may help you gain control of your IBS-C symptoms. Eat smaller meals more often. Some people with IBS-C find it helps to eat five or six smaller meals throughout the day, rather than three large ones. Don't skip breakfast.

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. Most people with IBS experience worse or more-frequent symptoms during periods of increased stress.

Most people with IBS say that certain foods trigger their symptoms, which include abdominal pain, gas, constipation or diarrhea or both. Common trigger foods include dairy, some fruits and vegetables, and greasy foods like pizza and burgers.