Foods That Worsen IBS

IBS, or irritable bowel syndrome, is a disease of the colon, or large intestine. Abdominal pain, bloating and gas, constipation, diarrhea, and constipation are some common symptoms of IBS. Certain foods may make symptoms worse and troublesome foods vary among people with IBS. Determining the foods that worsen IBS can help in establishing an eating plan to decrease IBS symptoms.

Fat

Results from a study in the January 2001 issue of "Gut" indicate that people with IBS had intestines that were more sensitive to dietary fat than people without IBS. This sensitivity may cause abdominal distention, bloating and excessive gas. People who experience abdominal discomfort or gas after eating fatty foods should decrease their fat intakes to no more than 40 to 50 g per day, according to an article in the July 2009 issue of the "Journal of the American Dietetic Association."

Fiber

Dietary fiber, in the forms of soluble fiber and insoluble fiber, is beneficial for health as it helps to move food along the digestive tract. However, according to an article in the July 2002 issue of the "Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology" the types of dietary fiber can have different impacts on the symptoms of IBS. Soluble fiber may help improve symptoms of IBS in some people, but insoluble fiber may make symptoms worse. Some foods containing soluble fiber include oats, beans, oranges and broccoli. Whole grains, spinach, pinto beans are some foods that contain insoluble fiber. People who experience severe worsening of symptoms with insoluble fiber may need to decrease insoluble fiber intake or consume soluble fiber only.

Fructose and Sugar Alcohols

Individuals with IBS may experience worsening symptoms after eating foods containing the carbohydrates, fructose and sugar alcohols, according to an article in the November 2009 edition of the "Journal of Digestive Disorders." Table sugar, high-fructose corn syrup, honey and fruits, such as apples, oranges and pears, contain fructose. Sorbitol, xylitol, and mannitol are some sugar alcohols and are found in liquid medication, as well as sugar-free and diet products. Fructose and sugar alcohols may cause excessive gas, cramping and bloating, as these carbohydrates are not completely broken down in the digestion process. This malabsorption causes abdominal pain, bloating and excessive gas, as fluid is drawn into the intestines and the undigested material ferments by bacteria in the colon. People with IBS who experience worsening symptoms after eating fructose or sugar alcohols should decrease their intakes of foods containing these carbohydrates, according to the "Journal of the American Dietetic Association" article.

Milk Products and Lactose

Among people who have IBS and lactose intolerance, consuming dairy products or other foods with lactose may worsen symptoms of IBS, as noted by the "Journal of Digestive Disorders" article. Lactose is sugar found in such food items as dairy products, salad dressings, baked goods, nonfat dry milk, milk powder, whey curds and powdered mixes. Symptoms of IBS may improve with reduced lactose intake.

References

• "Gut"; An Exaggerated Sensory Component of the Gastrocolonic Response in patients with Irritable Bowel Syndrome; Magnus Simren, M.D., Hasse Abrahamsson, M.D., Ph.D., and Einar Bjornsson, M.D., Ph.D.; January 2001.
• "Journal of the American Dietetic Association"; The Role of Diet in Symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome In Adults: A Narrative Review; William Heizer, M.D., Susannah Southern, and Susan McGovern; July 2009.
• "Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology"; Diet in the Irritable Bowel Syndrom; Martin Floch, M.D. and Rathi Narayan, M.D.; July 2002.
• "Journal of Digestive Disorders"; Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Role of Food in Pathogenesis and Management; Ashraf Morcos, M.D., Ted Dinan, Ph.D., and Eamonn Quigley, M.D.; November 2009.