Chamomile tea The tea has a delicately floral taste, and people have traditionally used it for relaxation, given its sedative effects. In addition to IBS symptoms, chamomile tea is also effective for other digestive disorders like colic, ulcers, gas, and stomach upset.
Caffeine can increase diarrhea, another major symptom of IBS. High sources of caffeine include coffee, tea, cola drinks, chocolate and some over-the-counter pain relievers designed for headache relief — check labels carefully.
Some people choose chamomile tea for relieving an upset stomach. It could offer benefits for people with IBS since digestive symptoms can be related to stress.
Due to a lack of research, honey hasn't been proven to either cause or relieve IBS symptoms. While it may have positive effects on digestion, it's also considered high in FODMAPs.
According to this guide, almond, hemp, and coconut milks may work for people with IBS. Just pay attention to your serving size. You may also want to try kefir. The fermentation process lowers lactose to a better level for those with IBS and lactose intolerance.
If someone with IBS tolerates dairy products, plain and unsweetened Greek yogurt is a nutritious dietary addition. Greek yogurt contains live probiotics—bacteria that offer many health benefits, including for gut health. If you are lactose intolerant, you might still be able to enjoy Greek yogurt.
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.
Previous studies have shown that ginger effectively treats gastrointestinal symptoms, has antiemetic as well as pain relieving effects, and is one of the most widely used herbal medicines by IBS patients1, 2, 4–7. These observations suggest a role of ginger in the treatment of IBS.
While everyone's tolerance is different, most individuals with IBS are able to handle small amounts of low-lactose dairy products. This means that the best cheese for IBS is low lactose cheese.
Chocolate (specifically dark) contains powerful antioxidants that may help lower blood pressure and improve circulation. Unfortunately, it is also known to trigger IBS symptoms (and migraines) in some people.
Coffee, sodas, and energy drinks that contain caffeine can be triggers for people with IBS. If you need an energy boost or pick-me-up, consider eating a small snack or going for a quick walk instead.
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.
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.
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.
Unripe bananas are low in FODMAPS and therefore a better choice for people with IBS — although they're not as sweet or soft as ripe bananas. However, as bananas ripen, they accumulate a type of FODMAP called oligofructans. Therefore, ripe bananas are considered a high FODMAP food (6, 7 ).
While some people with IBS can enjoy avocados with no side effects, others may experience symptoms after eating a small portion. In general, large portions of avocado are more likely to cause symptoms in people who are sensitive to FODMAPs simply because bigger servings contain more sorbitol.
Include plenty of probiotic-rich foods like kimchi, kombucha, miso, or sauerkraut. Sometimes, you can also eat yogurt if you are not allergic to dairy. Try unsweetened sheep or goat yogurt. These are all foods that help your gut flora get and stay healthy.
An IBS flare up can last anywhere from a few hours to months. Some things that may cause a flare up are stress, anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress syndrome. Eating “trigger” foods or FODMAPs (foods that are poorly digested by the gut) can also cause IBS flare ups.