Irritable bowel syndrome, or IBS, is a digestive problem that can cause significant discomfort. Although the cause of IBS isn't known, some people find that their symptoms get worse after they consume certain foods or beverages. Drinks with caffeine in them often make things worse for IBS patients and may need to be avoided.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
IBS causes cramping, pain and diarrhea. Although IBS does not damage your intestines or cause any permanent harm to your digestive tract, for some people the symptoms are severe enough to be disabling. Researchers do not understand what causes IBS, though it may be related to having a colon that is very sensitive to stress and foods.
Caffeine and IBS
Caffeine is a chemical found in many different foods and beverages. Consuming caffeine can make your blood pressure climb, make you anxious and cause problems sleeping. Caffeine may also play a role in IBS. Some people with IBS find that their symptoms get worse after they consume foods or beverages with caffeine. This may be due to their colon being unusually sensitive to the effects of caffeine.
Substances With Caffeine
Coffee is one common source of caffeine, though the caffeine content of coffee depends on where the coffee is from and how it is brewed. Different kinds of tea, including black and green tea, also contain significant amounts of caffeine. Many soft drinks, including colas, contain caffeine, though the caffeine can also be removed to yield "caffeine-free" beverages. Chocolate, coffee-flavored sweets and some pain relievers, such as Excedrin, also contain caffeine.
Treating IBS
If you notice that your IBS symptoms get worse after consuming caffeine, cut caffeine out of your diet. You may also find it handy to keep a diary of the things you eat and drink each day so that you can look for patterns between foods and worsening of your symptoms. Other things that can aggravate IBS are milk, alcohol, chocolate and certain grains, such as rye, wheat and barley.
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