Question: What foods should I avoid so my IBS won't act up?
Answer: There are no hard-and-fast rules when it comes to specific foods and IBS, because a variety of factors -- stress, hormones -- can affect the severity of IBS symptoms. Therefore, you may find that a food that bothers you after one meal may be fine another time. It also is important to remember that simply eating a large meal may exacerbate symptoms, regardless of the types of foods eaten.
That said, there are some foods that do have the potential for aggravating the digestive system:
- Fatty and fried foods
- Foods and drinks containing artificial sweeteners and sugar substitutes
- Gas-producing vegetables (broccoli, cabbage, beans)
- Alcohol
- Caffeine
- Fruits, if you have an intolerance to fructose
- Dairy products, if you suffer from lactose intolerance
