Recently, in our blogs, we have been talking about Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Apart from anxiety, one thing that exacerbates the problem is the foods you consume. So, those who suffer from IBS should be careful with their diet and avoid certain foods.
Let’s take a look at what these foods are and why you should limit your intake of them according to the best gastroenterologist in Kolkata.
8 Foods to Avoid If You Have IBS
- Milk
Avoid all forms of milk including cream, cheese and ice cream. Only 30% of the adult population produces lactase which is the enzyme that breaks down lactose, a sugar contained in milk. However, you can consume yoghurt which contains live cultures that help to break down the lactose.
- Insoluble fibre
Fibre may be good for the gut, but insoluble fibre may be too much for a sufferer of IBS to process. Avoid the consumption of insoluble fibre, found in whole grain products and vegetables. Soluble fibre found in oats, fruits and beans is perfectly okay to consume.
- Gluten
Gluten is a protein found in rye, wheat and barley. This protein may cause digestive problems for those with IBS. Moreover, you should get checked for celiac disease and gluten intolerance to rule out these two conditions as well.
- Fried foods
Eating fried foods is slowly becoming a staple in India as well. A high-fat content may be hard for those with IBS to process. Instead of frying, you can opt to bake or grill food.
- Beans and legumes
Beans, lentils and peas are some foods that are hard to digest. They produce oligosaccharides that are hard to digest by intestinal enzymes. The best way to consume these is to soak them overnight.
- Processed foods
Processed foods are very high in salt, sugar and fat. Moreover, they contain preservatives or additives which can lead to IBS flare-ups. Substitute processed foods like chips, meats, and deep fried foods for their fresh versions.
- Chocolate
Chocolate contains high levels of sugar, caffeine, fat and lactose. These are potential IBS triggers and should be avoided completely as chocolate can cause constipation says Dr Amitabha Saha, the best gastroenterologist in Kolkata.
- Alcohol
Alcohol is a common trigger for people with IBS, because of the way alcohol is digested. Moreover, beer is also a strict no-no because of the gluten and sugar levels available in it.
Conclusion
So, consult with the best gastroenterologist in Kolkata on how you can manage Irritable Bowel Syndrome. He will help you to understand the kinds of food you should eat and those which you should avoid. Moreover, he will help you control the condition with medication as well.