Rather than being a specific disease, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a term used for a collection of symptoms, including pain, bloating and altered bowel habits (chronic constipation, diarrhea or alternating between constipation and diarrhea). Although the cause of IBS is unknown, stress, medications, hormones or food may aggravate gastrointestinal symptoms. Individuals vary in the type of foods they can tolerate, but some categories of food are commonly known to worsen IBS symptoms.
Milk Products
As many as 40 percent of patients with IBS are also lactose-intolerant, according to a 1994 article in "Nurse Practitioner Forum." Since a lactose-free diet can provide a dramatic relief for patients with lactose intolerance, it is worthwhile for IBS patients to try such a diet. Fortified soy milk, rice milk or lactose-free milk can be used in place of cow's milk. Yogurt and cheese made with soy are also available for substitution.
Gas-Producing Foods
Certain vegetables, such as broccoli, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower and asparagus, are known to increase flatulence. Carbonated beverages, highly fermented cheese, garlic and onions also increase gas production and may worsen bloating in people with IBS.
Sugars
Fructose intolerance has been shown to affect up to 58 percent of patients with IBS. A study from the University of Iowa in 2008 showed that patients with IBS and fructose intolerance who eliminated fruit and other fructose-rich foods, such as fruit juice, dried fruits, soft drinks, sucrose and honey, from their diets experienced an improvement in symptoms, according to a 2008 article in the "Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology." Sugar alcohols, such as sorbitol and xylitol--which are commonly used as sweeteners in some "sugar-free" products, candies and gums--are also known to cause cramping and diarrhea.
Insoluble Fiber
According to a study published in the "British Medical Journal" in 2009, insoluble fiber (such as wheat bran, corn bran and rice bran) may worsen IBS symptoms, whereas soluble fiber (including psyllium, oats and pectin) may relieve IBS symptoms. Large intakes of insoluble fibers, such as cereals high in bran and whole grains, should be avoided.
High-Fat Foods
Meat that is heavily marbled, poultry skin, full-fat milk products and rich desserts are high-fat foods that tend to increase discomfort in IBS patients. Dietary fat affects motility of the gastrointestinal tract. It delays gastric emptying time and accelerates small bowel transit rates. Bloating is commonly reported in IBS patients after consuming a high-fat meal.
Caffeine and Alcohol
Caffeine is present in coffee, chocolate, cocoa, tea, cola and sodas. Caffeine and alcohol are both gastrointestinal stimulants, especially on an empty stomach and, therefore, may worsen IBS symptoms.
References
- "Nurse Practitioner Forum;" Nutritional Management of Common Gastrointestinal Problems; G. Spellet; 1994
- "Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology;" Fructose Intolerance in IBS and Utility of Fructose-Restricted Diet; Y.K. Choi, N. Kraft, B. Zimmerman, M. Jackson, S.S. Rao; 2008
- "British Medical Journal;" Soluble or Insoluble Fibre in Irritable Bowel Syndrome in Primary Care?; C.J. Bijkerk, et.al.; Aug. 27, 2009
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