Ten Foods to Avoid If You Have IBS

Irritable Bowel Syndrome is a common intestinal disorder with many unpleasant symptoms. The syndrome affects millions of people, but has no known cause or remedy.Over the years IBS has been referred to by many different names including: spastic colon, spastic bowel, colitis, mucous colitis and functional bowel disease.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a condition of the digestive tract that causes digestive discomfort and diarrhea. Studies have shown that these uncomfortable conditions can be alleviated by avoiding certain foods and liquids. If you suffer from digestive discomfort, consider eliminating or avoiding. the following foods.

1. Artificial Fats: Artificial fats,such as Olestra can cause indigestion, diarrhea and flatulence, even in people with healthy GI tracts. Check product labels to see if the food contains Olestra. Products that may contain artificial fat include potato chips , corn chips and similar snacks.

2. Artificial Sweeteners: Artificial sweeteners, including sorbitol, mannitol, aspartame, saccharin, stevia, and sucralose can cause flatulence and diarrhea in people, even if they have healthy GI tracts. Artificial, or chemical, sweeteners are used in a myriad of food and snack products including pop, beverages, gum, candy and many other packaged food.

3. Fat: Too much dietary fat can increase peristaltic activity, which leads to more frequent bowel movements.

4. Gas Producing Vegetables: Vegetables that can cause painful gas include: onions, garlic, beans, broccoli, cabbage, brussel sprouts, asparagus, and cauliflower. Activated charcoal tablets may provide relief from gas in the colon.

5. Red Meat: Red meat is hard to digest. It is a good source of protein, vitamin B12 and other nutrients. ore easily digested sources of protein include white meat and fish.

6. Insoluble Fiber: Insoluble Fibers include Raw Fruits, Raw Vegetables, Seeds and Nuts. Foods that act as a stimulant in the digestive system can cause a narrow opening to become blocked. Foods such as raw fruits, raw vegetables, seeds, lentils, beans, barley and nuts have this stimulant effect. Insoluble fiber does not break down until it reaches the large intestine, where it causes gas. Soluble fibers, on the other hand, have a soothing effect. Foods with a soothing effect include rice, baked potatoes and oatmeal

7. Alcohol: Alcohol is irritating to the GI system. Alcohol is dehydrating to the digestive tract, as well as to the entire system. .

8. Caffeine: Caffeine stimulates the GI system. Stimulating the GI system leads to strong contractions, increasing bowel movements. Caffeine has a diuretic effect, which can worsen the dehydration caused by diarrhea. Caffeine is in coffee, tea, cola beverages, chocolate and more.

9. Carbonated Beverages. Carbonated drinks can cause undigested gas bubbles to form gas. Carbonated beverages include soda pop, sparkling water, sparkling wine and beer.

10. Dairy: This applies only to people who are lactose intolerant people. People who are lactose intolerant need to avoid dairy foods. For the lactose intolerant, dairy foods can cause pain and flatulence. Dairy products are good sources of protein and calcium, so they should be kept in the diet if possible. . The problem of lactose intolerance occurs when there is a shortage of an enzyme called lactase. Lactase breaks down milk sugar into simpler forms that can be absorbed by the bloodstream. Digestive enzymes may help some people to digest lactose. People who have a problem with lactose intolerance should keep on the alert for hidden forms of dairy in pre packaged foods. Packaged foods such as breads, processed cereals, instant potatoes, soups, margarine, lunch meats, salad dressings, pancake mixes and other products. If you have lactose intolerance, try non-dairy kosher foods, which a safe because kosher laws mandate that they do not contain dairy.

These dietary suggestion are not intended to be substituted for medical advice. Check with your doctor if you have concerns about Irritable Bowel Syndrome.