The Top 20 Foods That Are Triggering IBS

1. Garlic

Image source: Reddit

Garlic may be one of the tastiest foods to cook and eat but it is actually one of the most common IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) triggers. Garlic contains a property called fructans, which can cause bloating and gas when it ferments inside the gut. It also has strong sulfurous compounds which can worsen IBS symptoms by irritating the intestinal lining.

2. Fries

Image source: Reddit

Fries may be delicious but by nature they are deep-fried and high in fat which is a recipe for worsening IBS. It can irritate the intestines which can cause cramping and inflammation and in some people can cause diarrhea. The high salt also leads to bloating and water retention which can make everything feel worse.

3. Pasta

Image source: Reddit

One of the favorite foods in the world is pasta, yet it's also one of the biggest triggers of IBS. Wheat, which pasta is made from, contains gluten which in many people with IBS can lead to bloating and discomfort. One way to try and alleviate the symptoms whilst still enjoying pasta is to try the gluten-free option.

4. Milk/Cheese

Image source: Reddit

IBS and dairy sadly often do not create a good combination. Milk and particularly, cheese (which are higher in fat) can lead to abdominal pain for people suffering from IBS. trying lactose-free could help revive some of the symptoms and cause less of a reaction.

5. Beans

Image source: Reddit

Beans are very good for you in terms of nutrition and high fiber. But they may not bode so well for someone suffering from IBS. The high fiber can lead to excess gas which can exacerbate bloating. And they contain something called oligosaccharides which can be difficult to digest for someone with IBS.

6. Sausage & bacon

Image source: Reddit

Sausage and bacon and often pork, in general, can be one of the worst meats for someone with IBS, due to th. eir high-fat content. The fat can slow down digestion which can make all of the uncomfortable symptoms of IBS feel even worse, e.g bloating and cramps!

7. Burgers

Image source: Reddit

Burgers are high in fat and often cooked with lots of oil making them super greasy which are both things that can exacerbate IBS. Plus, they are processed meat meaning the additives and preservatives can irritate the gut and make symptoms even worse.

8. Sugar-free candy

Image source: Reddit

Sugar-free candy does not necessarily mean a healthier or better option because it contains substitutes, which can sometimes be worse. The artificial sweeteners can trigger more distress and can sometimes even cause people to have loose bowel movements.

9. Onions

Image source: Reddit

Onions have a high FODMAP content, which means a high amount of fermentable carbs. But while FODMAPS can be good for you, they can trigger or make IBS worse in some people. In fact, they are one of the leading triggers for IBS! People with IBS are better off with low FODMAP foods.

10. Ice cream

Image source: Reddit

While nobody wants to hear the ice cream doesn't agree with them, ice cream and people with IBS often don't go hand in hand. It contains high fat, high sugar, and high levels of lactose, meaning that on all three accounts, it can make IBS symptoms worse.

11. Soda

Image source: Reddit

Soda is packed full of sugar or artificial sugar and it contains a lot of gas which straight away causes bloating and can cause discomfort for those with IBS. High sugar can also disrupt the gut which can mean that it causes discomfort and creates worse symptoms for some time.

12. Bread

Image source: Reddit

Bread is highly processed with sugars, has a high FODMAP content, and contains wheat and gluten. Basically, bread (especially store-bought, white bread) is one of the worst things you can eat if you have IBS as it can make many of your symptoms feel worse.

13. Apples

Image source: Reddit

Apples have a high fiber content which can pose a problem to people with IBS as they may find it difficult to digest. They also contain natural fructose, and some people with IBS have a problem with their ability to absorb fructose which can cause further discomfort.

14. Avocado

Image source: Reddit

It often takes people by surprise when they discover that avocado can make IBS symptoms worse. It is not one of the most common foods (as it is low FODMAP), but certain people with IBS can find that their symptoms are worsened by avocados due to their high content of natural fat.

15. Chilli pepper

Image source: Reddit

Chilli peppers are super spicy and spice is a potential irritant in many people, particularly those with IBS, It can irritate the gastrointestinal lining due the its characteristic fiery heat! So many people with IBS find that they can have extreme IBS symptoms such as diarrhea after consuming chili peppers!

16. Cauliflower

Image source: Reddit

Cauliflower is often found to be one of the worst foods when it comes to causing IBS sufferers discomfort. Many people with IBS find that when they do eat cauliflower, they have excess gas which can cause extreme bloating and discomfort which can be super challenging.

17. Mango

Image source: Reddit

Mango generally isn't a common IBS trigger because is low in FODMAPs. But, the high content of fiber in mango can be difficult for some people with IBS to digest meaning that the usual IBS symptoms can be made worse when snacking on the delicious fruit.

18. Beets

Image source: Reddit

Beets are super high in nutrients and vitamins making them a great choice to incorporate into your diet. However, people with Irritable Bowel Syndrome should be mindful that the fructans in bettes can cause problems. Cooking them for a longer period should reduce the issues!

19. Mushrooms

Image source: Reddit

Mushrooms, love them or hate them, may actually be a reason your IBS feels worse or has been playing up. Not many people realize that mushrooms even have the ability to irritate our digestive system. And if you don't like mushrooms, here is the perfect excuse to avoid them!

20. Lentils

Image source: Reddit

Lentils again are a source of FODMAPs (they produce carbs that ferment in the gut) meaning that they are course of the foods that make IBS worse. If you want to consume lentils for their health benefits, soaking them for some time before cooking can reduce their FODMAPs which can make them more suitable.

21. Peaches

Image source: Reddit

Peaches are another potentially problematic food for people with IBS due to their high FODMAP content. Peaches have been known to cause digestive issues in people with IVS. Peaches also contain high sorbitol (sugar alcohol) which can be hard to absorb by people with bowel-related issues.

22. Alcohol

Image source: Reddit

Alcohol is one of the most common irritants for people with IBS. There has been a correlation found between IBS symptoms being particularly bad and the consumption of alcohol. The body finds it difficult to break down alcohol, which also creates more problems for people with IBS.

23. Peas

Image source: Reddit

Peas are generally considered an IBS-safe food due to them being easy to digest and low in fermentable carbohydrates. Yet there have been individual accounts of certain people with IBS finding that peas have made their IBS symptoms much worse. They are a good source of fiber, without having too much fiber!

24. Margarine

Image source: Reddit

Butter is surprisingly low in lactose, it tends to be removed during the making of the process. So it is generally well tolerated by people with IBS. On the other hand, margarine has artificially created substances which can be found to disagree with people who have IBS.

25. Watermelon

Image source: Reddit

Watermelon contains low levels of FODMAPs and so in this way, it is generally considered okay for IBS. However, there have been many reports of IBS finding watermelon to make their symptoms worse. This is because of the high amount of sugar in water which can trigger IBS symptoms.

26. Coffee

Image source: Reddit

Caffeine is a substance that is well known for worsening IBS symptoms as it stimulates the gastrointestinal system which can be very problematic for people with IB who suffer from diarrhea. It is also acid which can also make symptoms worse and stimulant acid reflux which some people with IBS have!

27. Chickpeas

Image source: Reddit

Chickpeas contain many FODMAPs including something called GOS short for the very complex scientific term. These are particularly renowned for causing gas and bloating which can result in a lot of pain or discomfort for people who have IBS. Soaking them can help to reduce this.

28. Celery

Image source: Reddit

People with IBS may already know that celery has low FODMAPs which of course means that in this area, it is more suitable for people with IBS. However, the texture and high fiber content of celery can actually exacerbate the symptoms alone, as it can take the digestive system a long time to break it down.

29. Dark chocolate

Image source: Reddit

You're probably well aware that dark chocolate has great health benefits. What is less known, is the impact that dark chocolate can have on the symptoms of IBS. It's relatively high in fat and also contains small levels of sugar and caffeine. All of these things in combination can mean that it is a difficult option to eat for those with IBS.

30. Nuts

Image source: Reddit

Nuts are an amazing source of fiber and good fats, but unfortunately for some people with IBS, they can make their symptoms worse. In particular, cashews and pistachios which are high in FODMPAs, as they can cause digestive issues to be made even worse.