For IBS, focus on easily digestible, low-FODMAP foods like lean proteins (chicken, fish, eggs, tofu), certain fruits (bananas, berries, melon, oranges), low-FODMAP veggies (carrots, cucumbers, spinach, potatoes, zucchini), gluten-free grains (rice, quinoa, oats), and lactose-free dairy/alternatives, while limiting high-FODMAP triggers, fried foods, caffeine, and artificial sweeteners to reduce gas, bloating, and discomfort, notes UCI Health, GI Alliance, and Medical News Today.
Grains: Quinoa, white rice, corn flour, oats, gluten-free pasta. Protein: Lean meat and tofu, including beef, pork, chicken, fish, and eggs. Fruits: Strawberries, bananas, citrus fruits, blueberries. Vegetables: Carrots, cucumbers, lettuce, olives, potatoes, and turnips.
Pain in the left shoulder doesn't exactly sound like an IBS symptom, but the fact is, it's not uncommon to experience shoulder pain when dealing with IBS.
Treating IBS during pregnancy focuses on dietary changes, stress management, and gentle exercise, working closely with your doctor, as many typical IBS medications aren't safe. Key strategies include eating small, frequent meals, increasing soluble fiber slowly (like psyllium), staying hydrated, and avoiding common triggers like caffeine, gas-producing veggies (broccoli, beans), artificial sweeteners, and fatty/spicy foods. Stress-reduction techniques and light activity, such as walking, are also crucial for managing symptoms.
For kids with IBS, a low-FODMAP diet can significantly reduce symptoms. Examples of low-FODMAP foods include bananas, carrots, rice and lactose-free dairy products.
To help reduce symptoms like bloating, cramps and farting:
Foods that may make IBS constipation worse
Stopping a flare in its tracks
It has since been found that 82% of IBS sufferers are also low in vitamin D (less than 20 ng/mL)2 so naturally we come to question if there is a link between vitamin D and IBS symptoms. The University of Sheffield has been spearheading this important area of research.
Common locations of IBS pain
Upper abdomen or stomach area: pressure or burning sensations that worsen after meals. Back or lower back: referred pain from intestinal muscle contractions or bloating. Sides of the abdomen (flanks): discomfort linked to trapped gas or intestinal movement.
Additionally, chronic inflammation and muscle tension play a role in exacerbating both IBS and back pain. The stress of ongoing digestive issues can activate the body's sympathetic nervous system, leading to prolonged muscle tightness in the lower back, abdomen, and pelvic floor.
Chronic pancreatitis symptoms may include:
Though less common, problems with the spleen — such as splenic enlargement or infarction (tissue damage due to reduced blood flow) — can also cause pain under the left shoulder blade. This is called Kehr's sign, a classic medical finding where irritation of the spleen triggers referred pain to the shoulder area.
Main meals and snacks
Lean animal proteins (like chicken breast or fish), egg protein and milk proteins like whey protein are all easily digestible protein.
B12 deficiency can trigger specific food cravings, most notably for meat, fish, or eggs, as the body seeks animal-based sources to replenish the vitamin, especially in those on vegetarian/vegan diets or older adults. While cravings for sugary or salty foods can also signal general B-vitamin issues, the distinct urge for protein-rich animal products is a key indicator, but professional testing is crucial for confirmation.
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common condition that affects the stomach and intestines, also called the gastrointestinal tract. Symptoms include cramping, belly pain, bloating, gas, and diarrhea or constipation, or both. IBS is an ongoing condition that needs long-term management.
Symptoms of vitamin B12 or folate deficiency
What is the best bread for IBS sufferers? Sourdough bread and gluten-free bread are the best types of bread for people with IBS. The lengthy fermentation process used to make traditional sourdough bread reduces the amount of fructans, which are the kind of carbohydrates in bread that cause IBS symptoms.
Dietary Strategies to Restore Gut Microbiota in IBS
Lifestyle and home remedies
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen and naproxen, are known irritants of the gastrointestinal lining. For someone with an already sensitive gut, using these can increase inflammation, disrupt the gut microbiome, and worsen symptoms like pain and bloating.
The 10 most constipating foods often include dairy, red meat, fried foods, processed foods, refined grains (like white bread), sugary snacks, unripe bananas, chocolate, gluten-rich items (like wheat), and caffeine/alcohol, largely because they're low in fiber, high in fat, or dehydrating, slowing down digestion and hardening stools.
Processed foods: Low in fiber and high in unhealthy fats, these foods can slow digestion. Additives and preservatives may disrupt gut flora, and excess sodium can lead to dehydration. Red meat: High in fat and low in fiber, this protein can be harder to digest. Eating too much can also impact gut bacteria.