What Can I Eat If I Have IBS? | GI Society

After an IBS diagnosis, the first question most people have is, “what can I eat?” However, diet for IBS is a complicated topic. While there are some dietary protocols, such as the low FODMAP diet, that tend to be effective in many people, each person reacts differently, so the ideal diet for one person with IBS isn’t necessarily the same for another.

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The Gastrointestinal Society, a registered Canadian charity, provides trusted, evidence-based information on all areas of the gastrointestinal tract, and is committed to improving the lives of people with GI and liver conditions, supporting research, advocating for appropriate patient access to healthcare, and promoting gastrointestinal and liver health. The information contained in this video is in no way intended to replace the knowledge or diagnosis of your healthcare provider. We advise seeking a physician or other medical professional whenever a health problem arises requiring an expert’s care.

© 2023 Gastrointestinal Society.

[BiglyFakeNews]

Just cut out everything that brings a crumb of joy to your life. There’s no guarantee, but cutting everything that tastes good is bound to make you healthier in some way. (I’ve just summarized all medical advice anyone ever gets after 40, and for free. You’re welcome.)

[neachtarrsainn]

High fiber is the last thing you want to eat during an IBS flare up. You’re just adding bulk to a system that is already backed up.

[beach-pxdy]

My triggers are tomatoes, eggs, and some medicine. I lost my ability to get an appetite at 15 when I first got severely sick throwing up everyday for months and I sadly have to smoke to eat and just relax my stomach from/after throwing up. I honestly keep gaining trigger foods like recently I started developing stomach issues after tomatoes so I’m convinced the list will continue 😂😭

[zanna]

I have occasional IBS that tends to flair up during times of stress, and I've figured out what my triggers are. I'm lactose intolerant, so I definitely try to avoid dairy. I'm also sensitive to laxatives, and avoiding them is not as simple as not taking any laxative medications that you would buy from a drugstore. You'd be surprised at how many spices, herbs and foods are considered natural laxatives. Turmeric is a major trigger for me, which is very annoying considering how popular it is right now as a natural food dye. Anise, fennel, parsley, flax seeds and chia seeds can also give me problems. I've learned to carefully read the ingredient list on all food labels, which usually helps me to avoid my triggers, but not always. Sometimes an ingredient list will simply say spices without specifying exactly which spices. In which case I have a choice of making a guess based on the flavor profile and coloring of the food in question, and taking a chance, or deciding it's not worth the risk, and putting it back on the shelf.

[fundamental]

I am 72 and was diagnosed at 13. small meals of most things is okay as long as water is your constant liquid. I cannot drink milk or eat much dairy or spivey foods.

[patmuscarella]

Iam elderly. Have had ibs for years an years. Ive did reserch. Cut out triggers. Ect. Has helped. Had to take meds when a flare up occurs. Few times a month. There is medications out there now. Ask your doctor. Dont let this control your life.

[camillalittleman]

I struggle with ibs and stomach pain...I cut out lactose and I feel better now.

[janicedoster]

I drink a lot of strong peppermint tea with ginger and do yoga for IBS

[barewithhippie]

My tolerance with spicy food has changed. Now I can’t stomach it anymore, it gives me awful stomach cramps before bed and I have diarrhea in the morning. It’s a shame, I love spicy food and I’m not sure if I’m ready to give it up yet, it’s a big staple in my daily meals, but the pain is almost unbearable.

[tatianagolitsyn]

I was diagnosed with IBS many years ago when I went to the doctor with diarrhea which wouldn't stop with immodium. The doc asked if it could be connected to emotional upset, and told me to eat allbran every morning! It worked! All bran stopped the diarrhea! I had to give up chocolate bars etc but learned to control it with a high fibre diet.

[Sweattrip]

Dose anyone feels water retention during IBS flares up !! Like face bloating and body?

[emmaflores]

I think I have IBS (haven't been able to afford to get a diagnosis) or maybe it's something else that's similar. I've figured out some triggers by myself (also can't afford a dietitian). I've also found that having a smoothie before breakfast can help mellow out my triggers, if I lower my usual portion I won't have a fair. My smoothie is a vegan mass gainer, it's pretty big so I drink like half before breakfast and then half before or after lunch. It also makes food a lot more filling so I don't starve myself.

[ShahiD-tbni]

in my 5 years of ibs experience lowfodmap diet is the key for me i have no symptoms from last 5 months in my opinion lowfodmap is good idea for anyone who struggles

[gaiasillari]

I am lactose and gluten free, and have functional IBS so I find it quite difficult to have a controlled diet. Do you have any tips? Thank you:)

[itsbeepboop]

OK, imagine you’re in my shoes right now, because I’m just figuring out I have this as in the past five months-after hearing the first two minutes of this, I’m already getting up. This sucks. This is a really shitty flip for my life at 22

[feirudin.artspace]

I always got diarrhea if I ate extra spicy foods, or after drinking milk and coffee. My blood type is O which can't consume dairy and caffeine. At first, I thought I have hemorrhoid or leaky gut after colonoscopy, the doctor don't say anything. But when I asked my friend who work as doctor in Sweden, she always said that's IBS symptoms because she had it too.

[lissa_bea]

i got ibs the summer of 2021 from mid july to early august and just had another flare up i seriously need to take care of my diet

[peacequeen]

I pretty much can't eat anything besides meat and rice some well cooked vegetables and eggs

[aamirghulamullah]

for me eating less than hunger, quit milk and milk tea and started exercising, no IBS since then

[sepasmp]

You don’t talk about gut directed hypnosis or stress reduction methods. These are the key changers.