Say Goodbye to IBS: Foods That Can Trigger an Attack

Are you tired of living with IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) symptoms like abdominal pain or discomfort in association with bowel habits? If you’re looking to improve your gut health and overall well-being, making changes to your diet may be the key.

At Oasis Chiropractic and Wellness Center, we believe that what you eat can greatly impact your body’s ability to heal and function properly. While certain foods can promote good gut health, other less healthful foods may contribute to gastrointestinal problems or damage gut bacteria. That’s why we want to share some tips on what foods to avoid
to reduce chronic inflammation and improve your gut health.

What is IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome)?

It is a gastrointestinal (GI) condition that causes recurrent attacks of abdominal pain or discomfort in association with bowel habits. Less healthful foods may promote gastrointestinal problems or damage gut bacteria. The effect of different foods on gut health depends on numerous factors, including a person’s overall diet and food sensitivities. [1]

The Effects of Diet on Gut Health

First, let’s take a closer look at IBS and how it relates to diet. IBS is a common gastrointestinal disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. While the exact causes of IBS are unknown, research has shown that certain foods can trigger symptoms.

Some foods may promote good gut health, while others can lead to inflammation and other health issues. The effect of different foods on gut health depends on numerous factors, including a person’s overall diet and food sensitivities.

Avoid These Foods That Cause Inflammation

To help reduce inflammation in your gut, here are some foods you should avoid, according to Dr. Mercola [2]:

• Sugar: This is one of the biggest culprits of chronic inflammation. Sugar consumption has been linked to increased
  levels of inflammatory markers among test subjects, according to research published in The American Journal of
  Clinical Nutrition. Try swapping sugary drinks and snacks for healthier alternatives like water, fresh fruit,
  or unsweetened tea.
• Trans fat: Foods cooked in trans fat vegetable oils such as soy, corn, sunflower, and palm oil contain high amounts
  of omega-6, which are pro-inflammatory fatty acids that may increase your risk of chronic inflammatory diseases
  in the long run. Instead, opt for healthier fats like olive oil, avocado oil, or coconut oil.
• Fried foods: Aside from being high in omega-6, unhealthy fried foods like French fries, fish sticks, and onion
  rings contain advanced glycation end products (AGEs), which can increase oxidative stress in your system, leading
  to inflammation in the long run. Try baking or grilling your food instead.
• Artificial sweeteners: The main ingredients used in artificial sweeteners, particularly sucralose, have been linked
  with altered gut microbiome that can result in inflammation. Researchers have found that sucralose enriched bacterial
  pro-inflammatory genes that may lead to eventual tissue inflammation. Opt for natural sweeteners like honey or
  maple syrup instead.
• Refined grains: The consumption of refined grains has been associated with increased plasminogen activator inhibitor
  type 1 (PAI-1) and C-reactive protein (CRP), which are inflammatory markers. Try swapping refined grains like
  white bread and pasta for healthier options like whole-grain bread and brown rice.

Making changes to your diet can be a powerful way to reduce inflammation, improve gut health, and enhance overall well-being. At Oasis Chiropractic and Wellness Center, we offer a holistic approach to health and wellness, including nutritional counseling and chiropractic care. By working together, we can help you achieve optimal health and live your best life.
So, start making healthy choices today, and see how your body responds!

References:

1. AboutIBS. (n.d.). Retrieved May 12, 2023, from https://aboutibs.org/
2. Mercola, J. (n.d.). Inflammation. Retrieved May 12, 2023, from https://articles.mercola.com/inflammation.aspx