Chips and popcorn
A person should opt for baked potato chips over fried chips. Plain or salted popcorn is best for a regular snack. A person with IBS should choose products with lower amounts of fat and salt.
But you may find it helpful to eat lean meats, eggs, fish that is rich with omega-3 fatty acids, nuts, homemade bone broth, carrots, bananas, and other low-FODMAP fruits and vegetables. Fermented foods are also good for your gut flora.
Many people with IBS can enjoy popcorn, as it's a low FODMAP food and a great source of fiber. However, if you have symptoms triggered by eating insoluble fiber, such as gas and bloating, you may want to limit or avoid popcorn.
Peanut Butter is a Low FODMAP Food
If you have IBS and love peanut butter, good news! Peanut butter is a low FODMAP food. In its simplest form, it is just made of dry roasted peanuts, salt and oil, all of which are allowed on a low FODMAP diet.
This is because chocolate, particularly milk chocolate, contains a lot of sugar, including lactose, milk proteins and fat – all of which can cause symptoms in susceptible persons. This is particularly true in persons who are lactose intolerant or who have conditions like IBS.
If you have gone gluten-free to better manage your IBS and miss eating bread, you may want to try sourdough. This bread stands out from others because it's missing a key ingredient that tends to aggravate IBS.
Lay's Classic Potato Chips are another accessible low-FODMAP snack option and are low-FODMAP at 1 serving.
You can also feel good knowing potatoes are safe to put on your IBS diet plan. Potatoes have always been a stomach soother for me when I'm having an “off” day.
Eating yogurt can help alleviate irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) symptoms since yogurt has probiotics, or “good bacteria,” which helps put healthy bacteria back in your gut.
There are many things you can do to manage IBS symptoms. Heat, tea, relaxation, keeping track of symptoms, and eating a low-FODMAP diet can all help. Importantly, working with a healthcare provider is the best way to develop a treatment plan that incorporates lifestyle changes, stress reduction, and medication.
Food to eat during an IBS flare
My most common choice is a piece of toast with a smear of peanut butter or jam. This goes down quite easily for me and the bread fills me up. Bread is also a good source of energy and keeps me functioning so I can get on with my day.
Fatty Foods and Fibre
High Fat foods include fried foods, many takeaway foods, pastries, crisps, cakes and biscuits; so try to limit your intake of these foods or choose a low fat variety.
Increase the amount of fibre in your diet, for example: cereals, e.g. All Bran®, Bran Flakes®, Weetabix®, muesli, fruit and vegetables and brown bread. You must however drink plenty of water: 1-1½ litres a day. Eat your meals slowly and chew food thoroughly. Try and take some exercise.
Certain grains: Gluten-free oatmeal and brown rice are usually well-received by people with IBS and provide soluble fiber, which helps regulate bowel movements. Low-fat yogurt: Some people with IBS have worse symptoms after eating dairy foods.
Certain vegetables cause gas and abnormal bowel habits. Avoid cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, coleslaw and sauerkraut. Also, limit artichoke, brussels sprouts, onions, shallots, leeks and asparagus.
Lettuce is a low FODMAP vegetable that's also very low in fiber. As such, it's unlikely to trigger or worsen your IBS symptoms. In fact, it may even ease your symptoms due to its low FODMAP content. That said, trigger foods are highly individual and may affect certain people differently.
Common Low FODMAP Bread Varieties
Sourdough (white wheat, whole wheat, spelt): 2 slices. Gluten-free (white): 2 slices. Millet: 2 slices. Wheat (wholemeal, white): 1 slice.
Water and sparkling water are low FODMAP, but so are so many other beverages, from orange juice and cranberry, to many kinds of wines (including sparkling), gin, vodka, whiskey, brandy, tequila, tea, coffee and more.
This may help to alleviate bloating and regulate bowel movements. An example of a beneficial breakfast for IBS sufferers is our Apple & linseed porridge, which may help ease symptoms thanks to some key ingredients.
But many people have worse IBS symptoms when they eat or drink certain foods or beverages. These include wheat, dairy products, citrus fruits, beans, cabbage, milk and carbonated drinks. Stress. Most people with IBS experience worse or more-frequent symptoms during periods of increased stress.
Examples of lean meats you should add to your diet if you have IBS include white-meat chicken, white-meat turkey, and cuts of beef like sirloin and top round. Your doctor or nutritionist may also recommend eating pork, veal, duck, and fish.