Irritable bowel syndrome, also called IBS, affects the bowel, preventing it from functioning correctly. While physicians do not understand the exact cause, overly-sensitive nerves and muscles of the bowel may contract when triggered by certain foods, which results in cramping, diarrhea, pain, bloating, gas and constipation, according to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse. Physicians may recommend dietary changes to prevent IBS symptoms. There are a variety of foods that may worsen IBS and should be avoided.
Fried Foods
Eating fried foods may trigger an IBS attack and should be avoided, according to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse. The Rational Health website reveals that it's not the food that's fried, but the fat the food is fried in that makes it unwise for IBS sufferers to eat. High fat fried foods, like french fries, may encourage your intestines to contract, which may result in cramping and other symptoms.
Milk Products
Eating milk products like cheese and ice cream may cause or worsen symptoms of IBS, so avoiding them is recommended. The University of Virginia Health System Digestive Health Center recommends a diet free of lactose, which is the sugar found in milk products. Dairy products may seem to make IBS symptoms worse if you're lactose intolerant. Not all milk products have high levels of lactose, though. For instance, you may eat hard cheeses and yogurt, as they are naturally low in lactose and should not trigger IBS symptoms.
Chocolate
Sufferers of IBS should avoid eating chocolate to ease symptoms of the condition. Chocolate can contain caffeine, milk products and fat, all of which are not recommended for those with IBS. The fat and caffeine may cause cramping, and the milk products in chocolate may result in flatulence and diarrhea. Seeking out lactose free chocolate products may alleviate some symptoms while still allowing you to indulge in chocolate.
References
- National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse: What I need to know about Irritable Bowel Syndrome
- Rational Health: Fried Foods
- Family Doctor: Irritable Bowel Syndrome
- University of Virginia Health System Digestive Health Center: Nutrition Considerations for the Patient with Irritable Bowel Syndrome
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