Irritable bowel syndrome is a medical condition which can cause frequent abdominal discomfort, bloating, diarrhea, and constipation. While medical researchers do not yet fully understand what causes this condition, many sufferers find that certain foods tend to aggravate their symptoms. The most commonly agreed on foods to avoid with irritable bowel syndrome include those which are very processed, which contain large amounts of fat, caffeine, and fiber, and which contain dairy or wheat. It is important to understand, however, that a food which triggers symptoms in one irritable bowel syndrome sufferer may present no problems for another. Therefore, pinpointing the foods to avoid with irritable bowel syndrome can involve a process of elimination.
Determining which foods to avoid with irritable bowel syndrome often depends on which symptoms the sufferer is currently experiencing. This is because many people find that certain kinds of food can aggravate diarrhea, others can contribute to constipation, and still others can encourage bloating. Diarrhea related to irritable bowel syndrome may be aggravated by foods which are high in fiber or fat. Some people report that dairy products and foods containing wheat can aggravate irritable bowel syndrome-related diarrhea, although sensitivity to these foods may actually indicate an intolerance for lactose or gluten.
Those with irritable bowel syndrome-related constipation may wish to try avoiding highly refined foods, such as cakes, cookies, and processed breads. Consumption of substantial amounts of protein might also contribute to constipation. Some irritable bowel syndrome sufferers also find that drinks containing caffeine, particularly coffee, can lead to constipation.
Bloating and abdominal discomfort are familiar symptoms to most sufferers of irritable bowel syndrome. Foods to avoid with irritable bowel syndrome in order to curb these unpleasant symptoms may include fiber-heavy choices like beans and broccoli. Some irritable bowel syndrome sufferers report that simply limiting portion sizes and eating slowly can reduce flare-ups of bloating and abdominal pain.
It is important to understand that a food which causes symptoms in one irritable bowel syndrome sufferer may be eaten by another sufferer without any problems. Therefore, determining which foods to avoid with irritable bowel syndrome can be a process of trial and error. Some health experts suggest that keeping a log of one’s daily food intake and symptoms can make it easier to pinpoint one’s irritable bowel syndrome triggers. When a sufferer experiences symptom flare-ups, he can examine past journal entries to determine whether a particular food item was also consumed prior to previous flare-ups.
