IBS: How To Heal Your Gut And Tackle the Symptoms

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)  is a medical condition where a person experiences frequent abdominal symptoms, such as diarrhea or constipation. While doctors do not know what the exact cause of the condition is, they do know that it is a disorder that affects how the brain and gut interact. When a person has IBS, they may notice that certain foods seem to trigger or worsen their condition.

According to an article in The American Journal of Gastroenterology, an estimated 10 to 15 percent of people in the industrialized world with a gastrointestinal disorder suffer from IBS. While diet is not the only triggering factor, it can play a role in a person’s symptoms.

Foods That Trigger IBS

Although these foods can be different for each person, doctors have identified some common “trigger” foods that tend to cause digestive symptoms over other ones. If a person is hoping to control their IBS better, they may wish to eliminate some or all of these foods, then re-introduce them, one at a time, to identify which ones may be worsening their symptoms.

The fix body group doctors recommend what is called a low FODMAP diet to avoid triggering IBS symptoms. FODMAP is an acronym that stands for fermentable, oligo-, di-, and monosaccharides and polyols.

Listed below are 16 foods to avoid on a low-FODMAP diet:

• apples
• artificial sweeteners, such as sorbitol, maltitol, or xylitol
• baked beans
• broccoli
• cabbage
• carbonated drinks
• cauliflower
• chickpeas
• coleslaw
• lactose in dairy products, such as milk, ice cream, sour cream, and cottage cheese
• lentils
• pears
• sauerkraut
• soybeans
• watermelon
• pizza and other fried foods

These are examples of the most common foods known to cause stomach upset when a person has IBS. A person may wish to keep a food and symptom diary.

Neem for IBS

Neem’s anti-inflammatory properties help to remove discomfort and provide relief for stomach infections our site. Neem leaf extracts have been used in pharmaceuticals to cure digestive problems, intestinal parasites and reduce discomfort. Healthy gut flora is key towards having a problem-free digestive tract and neem can help improve your gut flora.