Weight loss surgery can help you lose weight, but it does require careful dedication to long-term lifestyle adjustments. In this blog, we highlight some of the changes you can expect to make after weight loss surgery.
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) affects 1 in 20 Americans and causes abdominal pain, bloating, constipation, and diarrhea. If you are one of the 5% of individuals who have IBS, you may find that lifestyle modifications such as regular exercise, stress management, proper hydration, and a well-balanced diet can help you manage your symptoms.
But what exactly constitutes a well-balanced diet? For those with IBS, certain foods (even healthy ones) can exacerbate your symptoms.
In this blog, Eric Ibegbu, MD, and our team at Atlantic Medical Group, highlight some of those dietary triggers you should avoid if you have IBS.
Gluten is a group of proteins in wheat, barley, and rye, and it’s most known for causing trouble for people with celiac disease. But research shows that gluten can cause issues for those with IBS. Trying gluten-free foods can alleviate symptoms in some people with IBS.
Avoid any products with wheat, barley, or rye flours. Instead, look for packages marked gluten-free or made with oats, buckwheat flour, almond flour, coconut flour, or quinoa.
Dairy products, including milk, yogurt, and cheese, can trigger IBS flare-ups. If you find that dairy doesn’t agree well with your stomach, consider switching to dairy-free products such as:
If you cut out dairy, be sure to add plenty of calcium-rich foods to your diet. Calcium is a very important nutrient, but it’s not just in dairy products. You can find it in canned salmon (with the bones), dark leafy greens, and nuts and seeds.
Even though fried foods might taste delicious, they aren’t healthy for anyone, whether or not you have IBS. Fried foods are high in fat and can trigger painful symptoms in those with IBS. Consider swapping your fried favorites for a baked version:
Keep a food log to track which foods cause the most issues for you.
Beans are a heart-friendly food rich in fiber and protein, but unfortunately, they can cause gas, bloating, and cramping if you have IBS. That’s because beans contain oligosaccharides, a compound that contributes to the gassiness.
Avoid beans and lentils if they cause problems. Or try soaking beans before cooking them. This helps your body digest them easier. If you try soaking them but still struggle with gassiness and bloating, it may be best to avoid them altogether.
Researchers found that four (or more) servings of processed foods per day increases the risk of developing IBS as well as high blood pressure and obesity. Examples of processed food include prepackaged meals, frozen dinners, chips, candy, processed meat, and fried foods.
Food isn’t the only dietary trigger. What you drink can also exacerbate IBS symptoms. Some of the most common drinks that trigger IBS include:
Drinking water is one of the best things you can do for your body. Aim to drink eight 8-ounce glasses of water each day.
Changing your diet can help you manage some of the more unpleasant IBS symptoms, but sometimes that’s just not enough. At Atlanta Medical Group, Dr. Ibegbu is an expert when it comes to helping patients manage IBS.
In addition to recommending the appropriate dietary changes, he can also prescribe medications 一 antibiotics, fiber supplements, or antispasmodics 一 to help you find relief. Call our office in Kinston or Jacksonville, North Carolina, to schedule your appointment.
You Might Also Enjoy...
Weight loss surgery can help you lose weight, but it does require careful dedication to long-term lifestyle adjustments. In this blog, we highlight some of the changes you can expect to make after weight loss surgery.
Are you thinking about a nonsurgical weight loss procedure to help you reach your goals? Although weight loss is the No. 1 benefit, it’s not the only one. Read on to learn about seven benefits of nonsurgical weight loss.
Nearly everyone experiences constipation at some point, but what happens when occasional constipation becomes chronic? Chronic constipation can cause complications. Read on to learn more.
IBS not only causes painful symptoms, but it can also disrupt your daily routine. In this blog, we share five reasons you shouldn’t ignore IBS and why treatment can help you feel better and regain control over your life once again.
If you’ve tried diet after diet without getting the results you want, you’re not out of options. While diet is crucial to keeping weight off, nonsurgical weight loss procedures can help you jumpstart your weight loss without invasive surgery.
Acid reflux can be mild enough to ignore, but should you? Acid reflux is more than just discomfort. It can cause a host of unwanted complications. Read on to learn five reasons why you shouldn’t ignore acid reflux any longer.