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Following an IBS diet is one of the most effective ways of controlling the symptoms of this troublesome condition.
IBS diets are a good way for you to take control of this difficult and unpredictable illness - many sufferers have difficulty figuring out exactly what brings on their symptoms, but almost all attacks are due to eating something that negatively affects the GI tract and triggers a colonic spasm.
The IBS diet therefore focuses on avoiding foods most likely to cause problems. The main foods to avoid are those that are high in fat, caffeine, insoluble fibre, alcohol, and carbonation.
These are all either known stimulants or irritants to the GI tract, or can therefore produce violent spasms in the gastrocolic reflex. This can lead to the familiar and unwelcome symptoms such as constipation, diarrhoea, trapped wind and bloating - plus, of course, the pain that goes with them.
If you are uncertain what triggers your attacks, the worst culprits usually include:
- Any food that is battered and deep-fried (e.g. fish and chips)
- Anything pan-fried in fat
- French fries/chips
- Onion rings
- Fried chicken
- Shortbread
- Margarine
- All oils, fats, spreads, etc.
- Mayonnaise
- Salad dressings
- Tartar sauce
- Coconut milk or shredded coconut
- Solid chocolate (although baking cocoa powder is usually OK)
- Solid carob (again, powder is fine)
- Olives
- Nuts and nut butters (e.g. peanut butter)
- Croissants, pastries, biscuits, scones, and doughnuts
- Pie crust
- Crisps (unless baked)
- Nachos (unless baked)
By sticking to the basic rules and avoiding these foods, you will find it much easier to control your symptoms.
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