Foods to Avoid If You Have IBS for Better Digestion

Posted on: Jun 6, 2025 | 3 mins | Written by: HDFC ERGO Team

Foods to Avoid If You Have IBS for Better Digestion

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a common, chronic condition that causes discomfort in the lower gastrointestinal tract. It can be managed properly with a proper diet and a healthy lifestyle. Bloating, abdominal pain, gastric issues and irregular bowel movements are the common symptoms of IBS.

While IBS has no cure, its symptoms can be managed by avoiding trigger foods. Read on to learn which foods to avoid when experiencing IBS symptoms.

Foods to Avoid If You Have IBS

Certain foods can worsen IBS symptoms, so knowing what to avoid is key to managing the condition effectively.

• Milk and Dairy Products

Milk and high-fat dairy products can trigger IBS symptoms and lead to diarrhoea. These dairy products contain lactose, an ingredient that causes bloating and gas. Lactose intolerance is quite common among people with IBS.

• Insoluble fibres

Usually found in large quantities in whole grains and vegetables, insoluble fibres can cause digestion issues. Always talk with your doctor and avoid these food triggers to control your IBS symptoms.

• Gluten

Gluten-rich foods like rye, wheat and barley should be avoided as they can lead to diarrhoea.

• Fried and Processed Foods

These contain fats, sugars, additives and a lot of salt, thereby leading to digestion issues in people with IBS symptoms.

• Beans and Legumes

Though they contain many nutrients, people with IBS need to avoid them. Oligosaccharides found in beans and legumes can lead to constipation and digestion issues.

• Caffeinated and Carbonated Beverages

Caffeine-based drinks can trigger diarrhoea, whereas carbonated beverages can cause issues in the gastrointestinal tract, complicating the IBS symptoms further.

• Artificial sweeteners, sugar-free options and chocolate

Eating sugar-free foods can trigger your IBS symptoms because these foods contain artificial sweeteners that can damage your digestive system. Since it is high in sugar, chocolates also should be avoided if you have IBS, as it can cause inflammations in your stomach.

• Alcohol

Overconsumption of alcohol can lead to dehydration, eventually affecting the digestive system. Some drinks are rich in sugar, while some are rich in gluten. Hence, you should quit drinking alcohol when you have IBS.

Some other foods to avoid if you have IBS are garlic, onions and cruciferous vegetables like cauliflower, broccoli, etc. All these can trigger your IBS symptoms and impact your digestion.

Conclusion

When you are diagnosed with IBS, you should immediately bring about a few healthy changes in your daily diet. Avoid dairy products, artificial sweeteners, processed foods and carbonated beverages to keep your digestive system healthy and manage your IBS symptoms effectively. As a preventive measure, invest in a health insurance policy or critical illness insurance to take care of the costs involved in your IBS treatment when you seek medical help.

Disclaimer: The above information is for illustrative purposes only. For more details, please refer to the policy wordings and prospectus before concluding the sales.

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