Managing IBS can feel like a balancing act, and sometimes, unexpected foods and drinks can trigger symptoms. Here are some everyday culprits that might be affecting your gut health.
☕ Coffee - Many rely on coffee to start their day, but caffeine can stimulate the intestines, leading to diarrhoea, cramping, or bloating in some IBS sufferers.
🍷 Alcohol - Alcohol, particularly beer and certain wines, can contribute to bloating and diarrhoea. Spirits may also cause digestive distress.
🍬 Artificial Sweeteners - Found in diet or sugar-free products, sweeteners like sorbitol, mannitol, and xylitol can have a laxative effect, worsening diarrhoea.
🧄 Onions and Garlic - High in fructans, these common ingredients can be tough to digest and may lead to bloating and gas.
🌶️ Spicy Foods - Capsaicin, the compound responsible for the heat in chilli peppers, can irritate the gut, triggering pain and diarrhoea.
🥬 Kale - Despite its health benefits, kale’s high insoluble fibre content can lead to bloating, gas, and loose stools in IBS sufferers.
🥛 Dairy - A well-known trigger, dairy can exacerbate IBS symptoms, especially for those with lactose intolerance.
🥜 Beans and Lentils - Rich in fibre, beans and lentils can cause bloating and gas. Cooking them thoroughly or using canned versions may help.
📖 Identifying triggers is personal - what affects one person may not affect another. Keeping a food diary or following an elimination diet with professional guidance can help pinpoint your specific triggers.
Do you find any of these trigger your symptoms?