Irritable bowel syndrome, or IBS, can cause pain and discomfort. Eating certain foods can worsen the symptoms associated with IBS, which include gas, stomach bloating, constipation, diarrhea and abdominal pain. Avoiding these foods can lessen the severity of symptoms and possibly reduce their occurrence.
Dairy Products
Dairy products such as milk, ice cream, cheese and yogurt may worsen symptoms of IBS. If symptoms of IBS worsen after consuming milk products, you may also be lactose intolerant, which mean your body can't properly digest the lactose found in dairy products. Keep a food diary to determine how dairy products affect you.
Chocolate
Chocolate can worsen the symptoms of IBS because it's usually made with a dairy product and sugar. Sugar digests very quickly, which can cause upset stomach and diarrhea. Lactose, the sugar found in milk, works similarly to regular table sugar. If you suffer from IBS, you definitely do not want to speed up digestion as this could cause your system to become unbalanced.
Spicy Foods
Spicy foods can aggravate and possibly even cause diarrhea, especially if you have a sensitive stomach. They may also worsen gas and bloating. Spicy foods include dishes such as chili, spicy nachos or jalapenos.
High-Fat Foods
Foods that are high in fat may be difficult for your system to digest, which could worsen the symptoms of IBS. Steer clear of foods that are deep-fried or contain large amounts of saturated fat and trans fats. When eating meat, choose lean cuts and avoid margarine and butter as they often contain large amounts of saturated fats and trans fats.
Wheat
Wheat, rye and barley contain a lot of fiber. If you were to consume large amounts of wheat, rye and barley, the fiber could bind your system up and worsen stomach bloating, cramps, gas and constipation. Fiber is an important part of your diet, but you should consume it in moderation.
Big Meals
Avoid eating large, heavy meals as they could be difficult for your system to digest and worsen gas and bloating. Eat several small meals throughout the day to help keep your stomach full and prevent overload on your digestive system.
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