A nutritious and balanced diet is highly essential to stay healthy. However, there are certain people who suffer from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). People who suffer from IBS may not be able to consume all kinds of foods. Consuming these items may develop signs of uncomfortable digestion. There is no particular list of foods to avoid for IBS. However, there are some food items, which, when avoided, results in better digestion.

Food items that people with IBS should avoid:

1. Insoluble fiber
We consume fiber almost regularly in our diet. Fiber is present in most of the foods we eat. However, fiber can be either soluble or insoluble. For patients who are suffering from IBS, they are required to avoid insoluble fiber, as it makes the food heavier and requires more time to digest. Foods such as whole grains and vegetables contain insoluble fiber. People with IBS need to monitor or eliminate the consumption of insoluble fiber to ensure easy and comfortable digestion of meals.

2. Gluten
It is seen that most patients who suffer from IBS tend to have an intolerance towards gluten; this means that when they consume gluten, people may experience diarrhea and gastric issues. Gluten is mainly found in wheat, rye, and barley. Research has suggested that excluding gluten from the diet can significantly improve the digestive system of patients. In these cases, IBS patients are then required to follow a strict gluten-free diet.

3. Dairy
Dairy products are one of the foods that should be avoided for IBS. There are many forms of dairy products, which are high in fat, and these have been seen to cause diarrhea in patients who suffer from IBS. It is better to consume low-fat or nonfat dairy products to avoid any digestive issues and other reactions. Research has also shown that most patients who suffer from IBS are lactose intolerant. Thus, they seem to have more aggravated symptoms of this condition due to the consumption of milk and milk products.

4. Fried food items
Fried foods go through a change in their chemical composition. After this change, the food becomes harder to digest. Fried foods are also usually high in fat, and all these factors make it important for IBS patients to avoid them.

5. Caffeine
Coffee is one of the most popular drinks in the world, and it is rich in caffeine. There are many people who depend heavily on coffee to go on with their day. However, research has shown that food and drinks that are rich in caffeine have caused the symptoms of IBS to trigger in the majority of the patients. Apart from coffee, other drinks that are high in caffeine and should be avoided include energy drinks and sodas.