Soft Cheeses: Soft cheese varieties such as cottage cheese, cream cheese and ricotta are particularly high in lactose and may be especially troublesome for people with IBS and/or lactose intolerance.
People suffering from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) benefit from using cheddar cheese as an alternative to sour cream. People with lactose intolerance can digest this cheese because it contains very few lactose receptors.
Low-FODMAP dairy foods include: Cheddar cheese, cream, feta cheese, lactose-free milk and Parmesan cheese.
Make Better Cheese Choices
Hard, aged cheeses like Swiss, parmesan, and cheddars are lower in lactose. Other low-lactose cheese options include cottage cheese or feta cheese made from goat or sheep's milk.
So those with particularly sensitive stomachs will want to avoid creamier varieties such as ricotta or cottage cheese at all costs. Sugar is the primary component of lactose that makes it difficult to digest, which means that aged, hard cheeses—which have a lower sugar content—are easier on the stomach.
Milk and other foods that contain lactose, like cheese and ice cream, can cause gas and bloating in people who are lactose intolerant. About 70% of adults worldwide do not produce large amounts of lactase, an intestinal enzyme that helps break down the sugar in milk.
According to both Monash University and FODMAP Friendly, cherry tomatoes are low FODMAP and you can safely enjoy them 45g (3 tomato) serves (1 4). Just keep an eye on portion sizes as they do contain moderate amounts of fructans in 60g serves (1).
Avocados contain FODMAPs that can trigger IBS symptoms and may be high, moderate, or low in FODMAPs depending on how much you eat. In terms of portion sizes, 1/8 of an avocado is considered low-FODMAP and should be safe to eat if you have IBS. Some people may be able to tolerate more.
However, peanut butter and jelly on white may not sit well with people who have IBS, so sandwiches need some new ingredients. Bread such as sourdough and French are delicious alternatives to plain white bread. Skip the lunch meat, cheese, and mayonnaise and try soy, tofu, or seafood alternatives.
Olive oil is also effective in treating other digestive disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). IBS is a condition that causes abdominal pain, bloating, and gas. Research has shown that olive oil can help to reduce the symptoms of IBS by decreasing inflammation in the gut.
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.
Cow's Milk and Dairy
Heavy cream, cheese, ice cream, and other dairy products contain lactose, a sugar in cow's milk. Too much lactose can be difficult for your intestines to digest. High amounts of lactose can often lead to diarrhea and other IBS symptoms.
Foods To Avoid With Irritable Bowel Syndrome
High-fiber products, found in cereals, grains, pastas and processed foods. Gas-producing foods, like beans, lentils, carbonated beverages and cruciferous vegetables such as cauliflower. Gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, rye and many processed foods.
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.
1. Toast. Toast is easier to digest than bread as the toasting process breaks down some of the carbohydrates.
IBS trigger: Foods that contain dairy, like cheese, butter, milk and ice cream, can worsen IBS symptoms, particularly for those who are lactose-intolerant. Instead, try: Lactose-free alternatives. Fortunately, there are plenty of lactose-free alternatives to your favorite dairy products.
Furthermore, you should purchase plain, low-fat yogurt. Greek yogurt is another good option, but it should be plain and unsweetened. If you find plain yogurt hard to stomach, consider adding low-fructose fruits such as berries or, better yet, nuts, which also help with IBS symptoms and have high levels of fiber.
You can ease your IBS symptoms by eating a balanced diet that is low in FODMAPs and saturated fat. These include lean meats, eggs, fatty fish, leafy greens, nuts, seeds, and fruits that are lower in sugar. Fermented foods may also be good for the gut flora in you have IBS.