What is triggering your Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) ?
1.Lack of Exercise
An inactive lifestyle can lead to a myriad of GI issues. Even moderate exercise ie., a 15 minute walk a day can help with symptoms
2.Anxiety
This can be a major trigger in some patients. In some cases, IBS can trigger anxiety vs anxiety initially causing the symptoms. Taking time to relax each day can be helpful. People often have success with yoga or meditation.
3.Garlic
Although it is used in virtually all cuisines, unfortunately, it is one of the high FODMAP foods. It is a common IBS trigger. Try using a garlic infused oil to flavour your foods. Check to see if the oil is Low FODMAP friendly.
4.Caffeine
According to a study released by The Journal for Nurse Practitioners, coffee is one of the most prevalent triggers for IBS due its elevated caffeine content. Excessive caffeine intake can cause indigestion and pain. Try switching to herbal decaffeinated teas.
5.Onions
Just like garlic, a staple ingredient for all cuisines, it is one of the high FODMAP foods and can be a trigger for IBS. Try diced celery instead to add crunch to foods while still keeping your diet low FODMAP. Use less than 5 cm of a stalk.
6.Depression
Depression is another IBS trigger. This can oftentimes be linked to anxiety. Try stress management techniques such as meditation and yoga to see if this helps. You may need to talk to your family doctor if your symptoms persist.
7.Fructose
This tricky sugar is likewise located naturally in various fruits and vegetables such as apples, bananas, broccoli and cabbage. These healthy foods can be the cause when you’re experiencing the following symptoms: bloating, gas, abdominal pain and diarrhea. Try substituting healthy Low FODMAP foods instead. Please see low FODMAP blog.