Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a chronic condition that leads to constant gastrointestinal discomforts, including cramping, diarrhea, stomach pain, and bloating. While external factors like stress and environment play a role in aggravating the condition, food is the most vital trigger here. Here is a list of foods to avoid for IBS to help prevent flaring-up of the symptoms.

1. Fructose-rich foods
Fructose is artificially made high-sugar corn syrup that is commonly added to a lot of packaged foods and drinks right now. Fructose is known to cause gastric troubles, even in those without IBS. For people with irritable bowel syndrome, fructose is especially bad. When you buy packaged food, check for fructose as a possible ingredient.

2. Insoluble fibrous foods
Fibrous foods are of two types – soluble and insoluble fibrous foods. All kinds of insoluble fibrous vegetables and grains are foods to avoid for IBS. Insoluble fibers cause bloating and are difficult to handle by the gut when you have irritable bowel syndrome. Stay away from foods like wheat bran, legumes, corn, cauliflower, green beans, whole wheat, and nuts and seeds.

3. Dairy products
For people with irritable bowels, dairy products feature in the list of foods to avoid for IBS. Dairy products contain lactose, which is not easy to digest. Most individuals with IBS also have lactose intolerance, and both together worsen the symptoms.

4. Artificial sweeteners
Artificial sweeteners like sorbitol, xylitol, and maltitol trigger the gut and can aggravate the symptoms of IBS.

5. Fried foods
It has become the habit of Americans to enjoy fried snacks and meat multiple times a week. Fried foods may be tasty, but these are in the list of foods to avoid for IBS because they are not easy to digest. When it takes longer for food to get digested, you will find problems like bloating, gas formation, and stomach cramps ruining your day.

6. Caffeinated foods and drinks
Caffeine is quickly processed in the gut, and this ends up causing irritation and discomfort in the gastric tract for many people. Try limiting your caffeine intake, and you will see visible differences in the severity of IBS.

7. Processed foods
As the name suggests, processed foods go through a lot of processing stages before they are ready to eat. The exposure and addition of chemicals to food can make it unhealthy for the gut. Regularly eating processed foods can make your stomach irritated and sensitive and result in aggravated signs of IBS flaring up.

IBS can be quite a difficult condition to handle, especially if you do not keep a check on what you eat. Make a food diary and note down foods that flare up the symptoms. Over time, you can clearly identify the foods to avoid for IBS and pick up the healthier options for you.