Food to avoid with IBS

For those of us with IBS, diet is crucial because certain foods can trigger increased symptoms. Even though we are all different, there are certain foods that most people with IBS react to. These include onions, garlic, wheat, and rye. In addition to these, there are other symptom-inducing foods, along with some general advice on foods to avoid in IBS. What you want to avoid are foods that contain so-called FODMAPs.

Which foods are problematic for those with IBS?

For those with IBS, foods can cause symptoms such as:

Examples of food to avoid in IBS

List of foods to avoid in IBS

Vegetables: Those with high levels of fructose, oligosaccharides, and sugar alcohols, for example:

Onion
Garlic
Beans
Cauliflower
Beets

Fruits: Those with high levels of fructose, for example:

Apple
Pear
Mango
Watermelon

Protein sources: Processed meats:

Sausages (with onions)
Red meat – not a FODMAP, but hard to digest for some

Cereals: It is the fibres in grains, not gluten, that can cause symptoms in IBS, for example:

Wheat
Rye
Barley

Beverages: For instance:

Caffeinated drinks like coffee (in greater amounts) can be challenging for some with IBS
Certain teas
Alcohol is not a FODMAP but can irritate the gut

We are all different, and therefore, reactions to foods can vary. The best way to identify which foods affect your stomach is to keep a food and symptoms diary and then start the low FODMAP diet. By eliminating and gradually reintroducing foods, you will only need to avoid the foods that actually cause symptoms for you.

Avoiding certain foods can be crucial for reducing and managing IBS symptoms. By listening to your body and being aware of which foods trigger symptoms, you can create a more balanced and gentle diet. In the Belly Balance app, you’ll find lists of foods to avoid in IBS, weekly menus, recipes, barcode scanners, FODMAP lists, and much more to help you treat your IBS. By following the low FODMAP diet plan (eliminating and then gradually reintroducing), you can learn more about which foods cause symptoms and retain those that are well-tolerated.

Sofia Antonsson
Reg. Dietitian, Belly Balance