• Skip to main content
  • Skip to footer

River Bend Medical Associates

A Progressive & Culturally Diverse Family Medical Practice

Follow Us
  • Home
  • About Us
    • Our Providers
    • Insurance We Accept
  • Resources
    • Updates From Your Doctors
    • Pediatrics
    • Wellness Program
    • Travel
    • Prevention
    • Chronic Care Management
    • Women’s Health
    • LGBTQ+ Issues
    • Connect on Social
    • F.A.Q
    • Forms
  • Wellness Program
    • Shop Supplements
    • Healthy Recipes
    • Supplement Autoship
    • Wellness Education
    • Contact the Wellness Center
  • Contact Us
    • Contact the Billing Department
    • Contact CCM
  • Patient Portal
  • Español
  • English
  • EspañolEspañol
  • EnglishEnglish

Eat it or avoid it – Common Triggers for IBS

May 2, 2022

family medicine treating IBS

If you experience IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) you know that flare-ups are no fun.  Learning more about the foods that you should avoid can help you manage your IBS and cut back on flare ups.  IBS is a common problem that affects the large intestine.  It is a chronic disorder, which means symptoms can go away and return throughout your lifetime.  Some of the most common symptoms patients experience with irritable bowel syndrome include:

  • Excess gas
  • Bloating
  • Diarrhea or constipation
  • Abdominal cramping and pain

Flare-ups and Food

People with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) often experience “flare-ups”, meaning their symptoms reoccur after having been absent for a time. Often people will need long-term treatments and management plans for IBS.  Foods that contribute to IBS flare-ups vary from person to person.  While some foods can cause severe symptoms in one person, another person can eat them without feeling any discomfort.  Though it’s not known how much of a role foods play in the condition, food intolerance does seem to be a cause of IBS.

A popular way for patients to figure out which foods trigger their IBS symptoms is an elimination diet.  This means you eliminate certain foods for a while.  Then, you add them back one at a time.  This makes it easier to notice if you have a reaction to a particular food.

fried food can trigger IBSFoods that Commonly Trigger IBS

  • High-fat and fried foods
  • Dairy products (like milk and cheese)
  • Processed foods (like chips and cookies)
  • High-protein diets
  • Refined grains (certain breads and cereals)
  • Coffee, soda, and alcohol

Dealing with IBS can be frustrating, especially if you feel like you’re giving up all your favorite foods.  It’s important to remember, that there are lots of delicious foods that you can still enjoy that won’t trigger your IBS.

Healthy Food Choices for IBS

Adding more fiber to your diet.  According to the FDA, the recommended daily goal for fiber is 25 grams per day. Try to eat 2 or 3 more grams per day until you reach the recommended daily goal.  Increasing your fiber too fast can actually worsen your IBS.  So, it’s important to add the fiber slowly so that your body has time to adjust and get used to it.

nutritionist tip - eat plums
Plums

Some of the best foods to eat to increase your fiber intake and avoid IBS flare-ups include:

  • Whole-grain bread, pasta, and cereal
  • Small servings of beans
  • Fruit
  • Vegetables

While eating plenty of veggies is important, it’s a good idea to avoid large amounts of vegetables that cause gas, such as cabbage or broccoli.  Also, explore new ways to cook your favorite foods instead of frying them.  You can create flavorful dishes with little or no oil by broiling, steaming, grilling, and baking, while reducing the risk of IBS symptom flare-ups.

Lifestyle Choices for Managing IBS

Improving your overall health by adopting a healthier lifestyle can have a positive impact on your IBS.  Poor eating habits, such as eating while you drive or eating too fast, can trigger IBS symptoms.  Schedule time in your day to eat and enjoy your meals without haste or distractions to help your body digest better.

Anxiety and stress can trigger IBS symptoms, especially constipation.  If you experience a lot of daily stress, you may not feel much relief even if you cut trigger foods out of your diet.  Make regular sleep a goal, try relaxation techniques, or speak with a therapist about reducing stress.  If you experience constipation, try prune juice or dried plums to relieve the symptoms.  It’s also important to stay hydrated by drinking lots of water throughout the day.

Increase your daily physical activity level.  Lack of exercise is another known cause of IBS.  Do your best to move more, and work your way up to exercising for 30 minutes a day.  This can help reduce stress and relieve constipation.

Carmelita Lombera - Nutritionist River Bend Medical
Carmelita Lombera – Clinical Nutritionist, Certified Health Coach, Fitness Nutrition Specialist at River Bend Medical Associates

Making healthier lifestyle and diet choices can help you to manage your IBS and improve your quality of life.  If you’re experiencing the symptoms of IBS your family doctor can help with your plan to manage the condition.  If you’ve been diagnosed with IBS and would like to speak with a doctor or nutritionist about your symptoms call our family practice at 916-392-4000 for an appointment or contact River Bend Medical Associates.

At our Sacramento area medical practice, we are committed to delivering quality health care and promoting the well-being of our patients.  As part of your medical team, we are here to provide you with the best care in all aspects of your health care needs.

For more tips on helping you and your family eat right, schedule an appointment with our nutritionist, we offer one-on-one appointments in person and telehealth!  Or call River Bend Medical Associates at 916-392-4000.

 

 

Filed Under: Chronic Care Management, Updates From Your Doctors, Wellness

Footer

Our Locations:

GREENHAVEN
7248 South Land Park Dr. #205
Sacramento, CA 95831
Appointments: 916-392-4000

WEST SACRAMENTO
2101 Stone Blvd, Suite 190
West Sacramento, CA 95691
Appointments: 916-371-4939

Links

  • F.A.Q
  • Insurance We Accept
  • Health News
  • Patient Portal
  • Providers
  • Privacy Policy
  • Now Hiring
  • Contact Us
    • Contact CCM
    • Contact the Billing Department
  • Directions

Social

Join Us

Language

  • Español
  • English

Copyright © 2022 · River Bend Medical Associates, Inc.