Do certain foods cause irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)?

Several factors may contribute to the onset of IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) in a person. One theory would be due to the irregularities of hormones in the intestines which restricts their movement, which they believe causes abnormal contractions of muscles along the digestive tract. While other physicians believe that viral or bacterial factors are a main contributor to the condition.

However, all of the theories in one way or another have to do with food or one’s diet. Most physicians would agree that stress and and individual’s lifestyle greatly influence the digestive system. This could include one or many of the following factors such as: food allergies, or the overuse of antibiotics, laxatives and antacids which disrupt the bacterial intestinal flora which are responsible for promoting a healthy digestive system.

While the following foods may or may not cause IBS, they encourage the production of mucous in the intestinal tract and therefore prevent the absorption of nutrients. This in turn can cause blockages and impactions, bloating, gas, nausea, constipation and/or diarrhea. If not properly treated it can go on to produce more serious conditions such as colon cancer, diverticulitis, tumors, Crohn’s disease, and colitis. Over one hundred disorders are possibly linked to IBS such as: candidiasis, diabetes, gall bladder or liver disease, ulcers, problems in the pancreas, various forms of arthritis, parasitic infections and lactose intolerance, to name a few.

Foods which increase the production of mucous include: animal fats, carbonated beverages, anything containing caffeine (including chocolate), candy, all dairy products, fried foods, all junk foods, margarine and oleo, nuts, orange and grapefruit juice, pastries, all processed foods, seeds, spicy foods, sugar, wheat bran and wheat products, and additives and sweeteners such as sorbitol and mannitol.

Other foods that may irritate the colon include: beans, broccoli, and other members of the cabbage family, as they are gas-forming foods and will cause considerable bloating and possible distention of the colon.

Substances such as alcohol and tobacco irritate the lining of the stomach and colon and should also be avoided.

By the elimination of food allergies, many people find relief from annoying symptoms. Those who are lactose intolerant or allergic to dairy products notice an increase in flare ups or IBS symptoms when consumed. Grains, nuts and seeds are another major irritant and should be thoroughly chewed before being swallowed or eliminated from the diet as much as possible.

So, while a certain food might not be the specific cause of IBS, they can and often do, open the doorway, and pave the way for for IBS to occur. This is particularly due through the malabsorption of necessary nutrients and minerals and the production of toxins and mucous. This in turn results in the lack of proper nutrients needed by the body for proper digestion to take place, thus increasing the body’s risk of acquiring IBS.

As with any changes in lifestyle, consult your doctor before making any serious changes to your regular dietary regimen. Be safe, and live healthy!

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